HDF Hockey Club claims Women's Day trophy

Wananchi HDF Hockey Club emerged champions of the 2026 Pearl of Africa Hockey Tournament, defeating arch-rivals KHC Swans 3–2 in the final at the Uganda Hockey Grounds in Lugogo on International Women's Day.

The victory carried added significance as HDF became the first winners of the tournament under its new Pearl of Africa brand, following the Uganda Hockey Federation's rebranding initiative aimed at attracting greater regional interest in future editions.

KHC Swans, the defending champions, started brightly with Ever Serunjogi scoring in the opening minute. However, their early lead proved short-lived as HDF responded through Jolly Alimo, who struck twice to give her side a 2–1 advantage by halftime. Janet Nakato later extended the lead to 3–1 before Swans pulled one back late in the game.

The win marked HDF's third consecutive final victory over Swans this year, following successes in the Rocket Open in January and the Memorial Shield in February.

"The win helps us consolidate our strength ahead of the league. I commend our dedicated players, especially Jolly Alimo who was the MVP and also the top scorer with six goals, and Janet Nakato who scored two," said HDF captain Jackline Giramiya.

Giramiya also encouraged more girls and women to take up hockey, noting that the sport has helped many players, including herself, access education opportunities.

Swans' Hilder Balondemu and HDF's Juliet Babirye finished joint second on the scoring chart with four goals each. In the preliminary rounds, HDF had also edged Swans 1–0.

The tournament featured six women's teams competing in a round-robin format, with the top two sides—HDF and Swans—progressing to the final. HDF remained unbeaten with 15 points while Swans finished second with 10 points. Gazelles claimed third place with eight points, followed by Originals with six, Deliverance Church with four, while Makerere Eagles failed to register a win.

In the schools' category, Kakungulu Memorial dominated Kyadondo Secondary School, winning 6–0 in each of their preliminary matches before sealing the title with a 2–0 victory in the final.

Bridget Baine, the women's representative at the Uganda Hockey Federation, praised the participating teams and encouraged more schools to join future editions.

"We have rebranded the tournament to the Pearl of Africa with the aim of making it a regional event in the near future," Baine noted.

UHF General Secretary Stanley Tamale presented the trophies to the winners.