The Lions Cup, arguably the most competitive and longest-running rivalry in Ugandan rugby, returns this weekend against a backdrop of defeats for the KOBs and Heathens in the Enterprise Cup.

While the other eight league teams were resting, KOBs and Heathens were two of the four teams representing Uganda in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinals against Kenyan sides.

For most Ugandan fans, the KOBs were the favourites to advance to the semifinals as the only Ugandan side, but they were defeated by the Nondies in Nakuru.

The Heathens fielded a largely inexperienced side against Kabras Sugar RFC, and the scoreboard after the 80 minutes accurately reflected the proceedings of the day.

One could argue that both sides were saving their best for this not-so-little dance, and now it’s time for business.

In the recent past, the Heathens have gotten the better of the KOBs in this fixture, with the most infamous of these coming in 2023, where the Heathens won home and away. In both games, the KOBs were disgruntled by the officiation, but it was in that return leg at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds where they reached the tipping point.

The following season, after the Premiership took on a championship format, the two sides played out a mouth-watering semifinal where they each won a leg, but were separated by points for the Heathens to advance to the final and win the league.

Last season, the Lions Cup was a wet and feisty affair that ended in a tie at Kyadondo. The KOBs went into the game as favourites, but did everything possible in their power not to win the game. Poor decision-making in prime attacking areas cost the KOBs, who could have easily gone home with the win.

The then KOBs head coach, Timothy Mudoola, reflected on this after the game, saying, “A lot of decision-making was done wrong,” a vice that shouldn’t reappear this Saturday if the KOBs are to put up a great performance.

In the Heathens forwards pack are two players who know the KOBs all too well. Julius Opio and Jude Jjuuko signed for the yellow machine this season and shall be going back to a place they once called home.

On the other end, the veteran Scott Oluoch will be there to welcome back his former side to Naguru, with the hopes of upsetting his former employers. 

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The first five minutes of Black Pirates versus KCB Rugby do not tell the full story of the Enterprise Cup quarterfinal, as the early aggressors fell to the calculated Pirates,11-10.

Straight away from kick off, the KCB made it known that they meant business, with a 50-meter carry from Andycole Omollo, who left 3 bodies in his wake.

The Pirates withstood this pressure and finally came out on top through a William Nkore penalty that eased tensions.

Nkore added another penalty, and it was enough to go ahead at the break, as the KCB failed to convert their try.

The Pirates were fully in charge of the later stages of the first half through linebreaks by Conrad Wanyama and good defence from Davis Shimwa, who was easily the man of the match on the day.

Whereas KCB were coming out on top in the one-on-one collisions, as a unit, the Pirates stayed resolute in protecting their try line.

The Pirates forwards earned their buck at set-piece time, held the KCB scrum, and executed their lineouts fairly well. Hooker Nathan Bwambale and prop Ariho Muhumuza played a large chunk of the game for frontrows. At the same time, Alema “Didi” Ruhweza did his basics at the set piece, but still has some miles to go in his fitness journey.

From the bench, Desire Ayera and Haruna Muhammad were a breath of new life to a Pirates side that was almost there, but not quite yet.

Stephen “Bujju” Alul came on for the spent Wanyama, with the latter deputising at wing as Jeremiah Okello limped off injured.

These were the most influential substitutes on the day for the Pirates, while KCB had no response from their bench.

Black Pirates are the last Ugandan side remaining in the 2026 Enterprise Cup, after a quarterfinal stage in which other Kampala sides were taken to the cleaners.

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Marvin Odong has lined up 23 men that he trusts to do the job against KCB Rugby in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinal.

The reigning Premiership champions and Uganda Cup winners will play the closing game of the day at the Muteesa II Royal Stadium, Wankulukuku on Saturday.

Ugandans and Pirates fans in particular have every right to smile and be confident ahead of this fixture, as their team has pulled out all their big guns.

The Pirates front row has Ariho Muhumuza and Nathan Bwambale starting together for the umpteenth time this season, while the lock pairing of Emong Eliphaz and Frank Kidega has been consistent at second row.

Moses Zziwa and Alex Aturinda are the other mainstays in the starting forwards. Alema ‘Didi’ Ruhweza returns to the team while Sydney Gongodyo, who has been a menace off the bench, starts in place of Humphrey Tashobya, who is on the bench.

The Pirates’ backline is largely unchanged, except for the introduction of Jeremiah Okello and Roy Kizito on the wings.

Coach Odong maintains his halfback and center pairings from their last outing in the local league against Impis. The experienced Minister of Defence, Isaac Massa captains the team and has midfield cover in Timothy Kisiga, who starts at fullback, and Eric Mula on the bench.

KCB Rugby, on the other hand, is without the services of the likes of King George Oroo and Samuel Asati, who are away with Kenya Shujaa in the HSBC Division II in South America.

However, they still pose a threat through other Kenya Simbas like halfback Brian Wahinya and forwards Wilhite Mususi and Andycole Omollo.

It now comes down to execution from either side, as the players they have named are good enough to win the game on the day

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