Pirates host Nondies in Enterprise Cup semifinal clash at Kings Park

Enterprise Cup

Saturday

Pirates v Nondescripts 4pm

The Stanbic Black Pirates will need to raise their game when they take on Enterprise Cup record holders Nondies (Nondescripts) in the semifinal set for Kings Park, Bweyogerere, on Saturday.

The Ugandan league champions edged out KCB Rugby two weeks ago with a narrow 11–10 victory to advance to the semifinal and will now host this game at their home ground, looking to set an electric tone.

"We are proud of ourselves for the work that we put in against KCB. We are happy that we were able to win at home, and now we look forward to a good game of rugby," said Pirates coach Marvin Odongo.

The competition started with four Ugandan sides, and only Pirates survived the opening day haemorrhage. They head into this encounter optimistic, but there is a bit of anxiety not to let anyone down, especially at home.

"We are under a bit of pressure, of course, being at home in front of the home crowd, but also the support of being at home with many people backing you is huge. We shall have the entire rugby community behind us," Odongo explained.

Pirates must be wary of several threats posed by Nondies, who destroyed KOBs in the second half of the quarterfinals last time out.

KOBs could not overcome the physicality of Nondies in the second half and paid the price. Nondies boast a strong pack and several game-changers. KOBs dominated the first half, but in the second, it was a very different story, as Nondies' execution in the set pieces was sublime and their ball movement far more effective.

Pirates obviously expect a lot of physicality, but they will need to pile on as many points as they can.

"Just like all Kenyan sides, they have bulky and stocky players, so the game is going to be physical. We are looking forward to this weekend," Odongo added.

Pirates' centre pairing must be ready for the challenge and will need to accumulate points as much as possible, given the team's tendency to fade in the second half.

With no league games expected this weekend, all roads will lead to Kings Park, where the best local sides will gather for the best of what Ugandan domestic rugby has to offer.