Stanbic Black Pirates, at Kings Park on Saturday afternoon, ran onto the pitch for the Enterprise Cup semifinal without their standout performers in the quarterfinal; Eliphaz Emong and captain Isaac Massanganzira.
Massanganzira was the leading tackler (19) while Emong was the leading ball carrier (12) of all players in all four quarterfinals, according to data from Tisini Tech.
Nonetheless, inspired by eventual man of the match Alex Aturinda, the Sea Robbers overcame Kenyan side Nondescripts, 20-17, to punch their tickets to the final.
The reason for Emong and Massanganzira’s absence was found to be their trip to Asia for the 2026 Tradition Hong Kong 10s this week.
They will feature for the Tsunami East Africans in Pool A beginning this Tuesday. But they are not the only Ugandans on the East Africans team which makes a return to the tournament after a two-year hiatus.
They are joined by six others, including Allan Otim, Uganda Men’s 7s head coach and Heathens S&C assistant.
Ugandans on the 2026 Tsunami East African squad:
1. Asuman Mugerwa (Kabras)
2. Jude Jjuuko (Heathens)
3. Faragi Odugo (KOBs)
4. Mark Omoding (VU Sharks)
5. Eliphaz Emong (Pirates)
6. Joseph Aredo (KOBs)
7. Isaac Massanganzira (Pirates)
8. Allan Otim
The team also comprises international players from Kenyan clubs Kabras Sugar (3) and Menengai Oilers (2).
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The Hong Kong 10s tournament, expanded to three days in the 2026 edition, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Twelve teams will compete in the week-long festival which ushers in the World Rugby HSBC SVNS Championship first round at the weekend.
The East Africans are one of the tournament’s crowd favourites. Their last appearance in 2023 yielded three wins and three losses as they reached the Plate Final.
They are in Pool A alongside Tradition YCAC (defending champion), Froggies Club and Chennai Bulls Select.
Back home, fans should expect another week of local club action without these players on international tour.
