Uganda Sevens stars beef up Pirates lineup to face Kobs in title decider

Kobs and Pirates will clash in a winner-takes-it-all matchup on Saturday /URU image

RUGBY Uganda Sevens stars beef up Pirates lineup to face Kobs in title decider

Ndyamuhaki J Emanzi 22:15 - 12.05.2023

Desire Ayera, Alex Aturinda and Timothy Kisiga are the players walking into the Pirates team fighting to win the last game of the season and lift the title.

Stanbic Black Pirates head coach Marvin Odongo has named three players from the Uganda Sevens team to start in the clash with Kobs on Saturday.

Desire Ayera, Alex Aturinda and Timothy Kisiga are the players walking into the Pirates team fighting to win the last game of the season and lift the title.

The trio has missed the last ten games of the season due to commitments with the Rugby Cranes Sevens side that played in the World Rugby Challenger Series.

Ayera will start as the right flanker, while Aturinda will be the eighthman. Kisiga will be the team’s last line of defence at fullback.

Ivan Kabagambe, Nathan Bwambale and Alema Ruhweza form the starting front row.

Sydney Gongodyo has been moved from the back to the second row and will partner Frank Kidega.

Moses Zziwa will join Aturinda and Ayera in the back row. Odongo has maintained the halfback pairing of Conrad Wanyama and Ivan Magomu.

Timothy Odong (11) and Arnold Atukunda (14) will occupy the wings, while Ochocinco and Isaac Massa form the team’s midfield.

Humphrey Tahobya drops to the bench alongside Umar Duff and the returning William Nkore.

Pirates must win the game to lift their second Nile Special Premier League trophy, while a draw could be just enough for Kobs.

The top two sides are tied on 75 points and will be separated after 80 minutes of rugby to determine who lifts the title.

Kobs have a much better points difference than Pirates, but that will not matter if there is a winner in the game.

Pirates starting lineup

Ivan Kabagambe

Nathan Bwambale

Alema Ruhweza

Sydney Gongodyo

Frank Kidega

Desire Ayera

Moses Zziwa

Alex Aturinda

Conrad Wanyama

Ivan Magomu

Timothy Odongo

Ochocinco

Isaac Massa

Arnold Aturinda

Timothy Kisiga