Rugby Africa Cup: Cranes eye redemption and World Cup Dream
The road to this clash has been long and demanding, filled with lessons and sacrifices. Yet Oketayot remains optimistic, insisting that the toughest part — training — is already behind them.
Courtesy photo
By Faith Kiai
Journalists @New Vision
Rugby Africa Cup/ Rugby World Cup Qualifier
Today
Zimbabwe v Morocco 10am
Algeria v Cote D'Ivoire 12pm
Namibia v Senegal 2pm
Kenya v Uganda 4pm
The Rugby Africa Cup has reignited Uganda’s World Cup ambitions, with the nation’s top rugby talent dreaming of a ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
But before that dream can move closer to reality, the Rugby Cranes must overcome a familiar and formidable foe, the Kenya Simbas.
The two sides will renew their fierce rivalry today at 4:00 pm at Namboole Stadium, which is set to transform into a battleground where only one team will walk away with victory.
“We’ve been preparing for the past six months, working on multiple aspects of our game. I believe we’ve perfected our approach. Now, we’re just waiting for D-Day,” said Rugby Cranes captain Byron Oketayot.
The road to this clash has been long and demanding, filled with lessons and sacrifices. Yet Oketayot remains optimistic, insisting that the toughest part — training — is already behind them.
“All I can say is, the game is easier than the training. We’ve been working harder than ever, and we’re ready for this tournament,” he added.
Uganda will need to bring intensity and discipline in every phase of the game to avoid a repeat of last year’s Elgon Cup disappointment. Kenya edged Uganda 27–25 in the first leg before delivering a commanding 21–5 win in the second. In both matches, Kenya’s dominance in the scrum and early scoring left the Cranes struggling to catch up.
The Rugby Cranes will have to start strong and stay composed throughout the 80 minutes. If they execute their plan and play to their potential, they might just silence their noisy neighbours and keep the World Cup dream alive.