Black Pirates fired up for Rujumba Sevens after renewing contract with Stanbic

The Stanbic Black Pirates will be fired up as they host the eleventh edition of the Rujumba Memorial Rugby 7s tournament at Kings Park this weekend (August 30-31).

The Rujumba 7s will be the fourth stop on the 2025 Nile Special Uganda Rugby 7s Series where the hosts Pirates are grouped in Pool D alongside the Walukuba Barbarians, Elgon Wolves, and the Sailors.

On Tuesday, ahead of kick-off the Pirates renewed their partnership with Stanbic Bank for the next three years at a function held at the Stanbic Nakasero Branch in UMOJA House.

Rita Apell the Stanbic Chief Information Officer signed the contract with Daniel Canowira the Black Pirates chairman before a new set of jerseys for the home and away matches was unveiled, after the old one was officially retired.

Daniel Canowira (left) the Black Pirates chairman signs a three-year partnership contract as Rita Apell, the Stanbic Chief Information Officer looks on at Stanbic offices in Kampala. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“We have had the most successful four years since Stanbic came on board. We first won our trophy wearing the Stanbic jersey in 2023. We went ahead to win the 15s, the 7s and won another trophy this year, so, this has been our most successful jersey,” Canowira said.

“Stanbic has been a very key pillar which has supported the club an we have also tried to be accountable by delivering on and off the pitch. We have also been the most-organised club off the pitch regarding governance and accountability. We ensure that our players are active in their careers and all we think this relationship can continue blossoming,” Canowira stated.

Apell who signed on behalf of the bank commended the club for their organization and termed the relationship as one that had a good luck charm and one that elevates all the attributes.  

“We are equally excited to renew this contract and looking forward to another awesome three years and as Stanbic we are vouching to stand with the Black Pirates.

“The new jersey should be a symbol of discipline, unity and teamwork both on and off the pitch. So, as you go for the Rujumba 7s we hope it is going to inspire you to your first win,” Apell stated.

Frank Kidega the captain of the Pirates said the club’s fortunes changed in the 2022-23 season after the acquired the Stanbic jerseys we went on to win the league title, and won the 7s title as well in the 2023-24 season where they reached the final which they lost but came back stronger this season to take the 2024-2025 title as well.

“The jersey has really been a blessing and each one of them (the home and away) kit has won a title, it has been good on us and brought good luck,” Kidega stated.

The kit is also supported by other partners including Aquafina and Roke Telekom.

Men’s Pools for the 2025 Rujumba 7s (non-core invitational team)
POOL A: Heathens, Rams, Eagles, Warriors.
POOL B: Buffaloes, Mongers, Hippos, Impis.
POOL C: KOBs, Rhinos, Gulu City Falcons, Jaguars.
POOL D: Walukuba Barbarians, Pirates, Elgon Wolves, Sailors