Stanbic Black Pirates make history with Enterprise Cup final berth

April 12, 2026 in Companies by Editor

Stanbic Black Pirates secure a historic first Enterprise Cup final spot after edging Nondescripts in a thrilling semi-final at Kings Park Arena.

 

Uganda’s Stanbic Black Pirates delivered a landmark performance over the weekend, edging Kenya’s Nondescripts RFC 20-17 to book their first-ever place in the Enterprise Cup final.

The semi-final showdown at Kings Park Arena drew a vibrant home crowd, with Ugandan fans turning out in force to back their last remaining representatives in the competition following the earlier exits of Heathens Rugby Club and Kobs Rugby Club.

Nondescripts struck first in a tense opening half, briefly unsettling the hosts. But the Pirates showed resilience, clawing back to level the score at 10-10 just before halftime, thanks to a crucial conversion by William Nkore.

The second half saw the Pirates raise the tempo, with a wave of attacking rugby that shifted momentum decisively. Tries from a determined lineup including Conrad Wanyama, Frank Kidega, Desire Ayera and Alex Aturinda pushed the Ugandan side into the lead, igniting celebrations in the stands.

Head coach Mervin Odongo’s tactical adjustments proved pivotal, with substitutions such as Haruna Muhammad and Umar Duff adding fresh energy and sharpening the team’s attacking edge.

By the final whistle, the Pirates had secured a narrow but historic 20-17 victory, underlining their growing stature in regional rugby.

They will now face Kenya’s Kabras Sugar RFC in the final, after the latter defeated Menengai Oilers 29-18 in the other semi-final. The decider is set to take place in Nairobi.

Speaking after the match, Sam Mwogeza, Executive Director at Stanbic Bank Uganda, said the victory reflects both the club’s ambition and the bank’s broader commitment to national development.

“As a bank committed to fostering Uganda’s growth, seeing clubs like Stanbic Black Pirates rise from mere participation to reaching the finals is something we deeply associate with,” Mwogeza said, linking the achievement to wider socio-economic transformation.

For the Pirates, the milestone marks a defining moment in their journey, as they prepare to compete for one of East Africa’s most prestigious rugby honours.

Coach Odongo struck a confident tone ahead of the final, emphasising both respect for their opponents and belief in his squad.

“We are ready for the showdown. We know the team we are facing is strong, but Pirates are not just going to participate—we are going to give our best,” he said.