The Black Pirates are one step away from defending their National Rugby Premiership crown after overcoming rivals Heathens to secure a place in a historic third consecutive playoff final.
The Pirates advanced with a 36-30 aggregate victory over Heathens across the two-legged semifinal, maintaining their record of appearing in every playoff final since the return of the knockout league format in 2024.
Having lost the inaugural playoff final to Heathens before defeating Jinja Hippos in a dramatic extra-time encounter last year, the Pirates now have an opportunity to become the first team in the current playoff era to win back-to-back league titles.
Their latest triumph was built on a disciplined team effort over both legs. Eric Mulamula inspired the Pirates to a crucial 15-3 first-leg victory at Kyadondo Rugby Club, while Timothy Kisiga delivered a standout performance in the return leg at Kings Park Arena.
Kisiga showcased his versatility throughout the match, starting at flyhalf before shifting to fullback when Haruna Muhammad was sent to the sin bin, and later finishing the game at center as the Pirates fell 27-21 on the day but progressed on aggregate.
The semifinal campaign highlighted the consistency that has underpinned the Pirates’ success this season. The club retained a core of 12 starters across both legs, with 20 players featuring in each encounter.
The occasion was also memorable for hooker Nathan Bwambale, who marked his 150th appearance for the club since official records began in 2016, further cementing his status as one of the Pirates’ stalwarts.
Awaiting the defending champions in the final are Buffaloes, who booked their place after a commanding semifinal victory over Makerere Impis.
The matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the league’s form teams, with Buffaloes seeking to upset the reigning champions and the Pirates aiming to continue their dominance in the playoff era.
Speaking after the match, Sam Mwogeza, Executive Director of Stanbic Bank congratulated the Pirates on their achievement.
“The Black Pirates have demonstrated tremendous resilience, discipline and teamwork throughout this campaign. Their journey to a third consecutive final is a testament to the growth of rugby in Uganda and the importance of investing in sports development. We wish both finalists the very best in what promises to be an exciting championship encounter,” he said.
