Kampala: The Stanbic Black Pirates have named a 26-man squad for Saturday’s historic Enterprise Cup final against Kenya’s Kabras Sugar RFC in Nairobi, with the team carrying Uganda’s hopes into East Africa’s biggest club rugby showdown. Captain Isaac Massanganzira will lead the traveling side, assisted by vice-captains Frank Kidega, Alex Aturinda, and Conrad Wanyama as the Pirates seek to become the first Ugandan club in the modern era to win the regional title.
The squad announcement was made during the “Twende Nairobi” sponsors and fans meet-and-greet event hosted by Stanbic Bank Uganda at Sisha Nyama Village in Kampala.
Stanbic Bank Executive Director Sam Mwogeza described the Pirates’ qualification as a milestone moment for Ugandan sport.“For over 50 years, no Ugandan club has reached the finals of the prestigious Enterprise Cup. Today, the Stanbic Black Pirates have rewritten history and reminded all of us what Ugandan sport is capable of when talent, discipline, belief, and partnership come together,” Mwogeza said.
Mwogeza also rallied Ugandans travelling across the region to take advantage of Stanbic Bank’s internationally acclaimed borderless banking solutions, including cards, the Stanbic App, and FlexiPay, which enable customers to stay in control of their finances regardless of geographical location.
“The ‘Twende Nairobi’ campaign is more than a rugby campaign. It is a movement that connects travel, regional integration, innovation, fan culture, and seamless financial solutions into one shared East African experience,” Mwogeza said, adding that the initiative reflects the bank’s purpose: “Uganda is our home, we drive her growth.”
Mervin Odongo, the Stanbic Black Pirates Head Coach said the team understands the weight of responsibility heading into the final.
“This final is bigger than the Pirates badge. We are representing Ugandan rugby and an entire country that believes in what this team has achieved,” Odongo said.
Vice-captain Frank Kidega said the players are determined to reward fans for their continued support throughout the campaign. “We understand what this opportunity means for Ugandan rugby, and the squad is ready to compete and make the country proud,” Kidega said.
Key to note is that the team leadership has retained a strong core that powered the Pirates’ impressive run to the final, including influential forwards Eliphaz Emong, Sunday Jaguar, Nathan Bwambale, and Samuel Lubwama, who are expected to anchor the battle upfront against the powerful Kenyan champions.
In the backline, much attention will fall on vice-captain Frank Kidega, playmaker John Paul Atim, Humphrey Tashobya, and dangerous finisher Mubarak Wandera as the Pirates look to unlock Kabras Sugar’s defense. The inclusion of experienced campaigners such as Conrad Wanyama, Allan Karuhanga, and Stephen Alul adds depth and leadership to the traveling team, while younger players like Timothy Kisiga and Haruna Muhammad offer energy off the bench.
Stanbic Black Pirates Traveling Squad
Alema Ruhweza
Ivan Kabagambe
Ariho Muhumuza
Umar Duff
Samuel Lubwama
Nathan Bwambale
Sunday Jaguar
Eliphaz Emong
Frank Kidega (VC)
John Paul Atim
Moses Zziwa
Sydney Gongodyo
Humphrey Tashobya
Alex Aturinda (VC)
Mubarak Wandera
Conrad Wanyama (VC)
Stephen Alul
William Nkore
Eric Mula
Davis Shimwa
Allan Karuhanga
Jeremiah Okello
Pius Ojeabulu
Timothy Kisiga
Haruna Muhammad
Isaac Massanganzira (Captain).
The Pirates will depart Kampala on Wednesday ahead of the final scheduled for Saturday, May 30, in Nairobi.
