Seven ties on card as Rugby Uganda Cup round of 16 gets under way

Rugby Uganda Cup

Saturday

Kakira v Walukuba 2pm

Mbale v Pirates 4pm

Kitgum v Buffaloes 4pm

Gulu v KOBs 4pm

KIU v Victoria 4pm

Storm v Mongers 4pm

Hippos v Impis 4pm

Defending champions Stanbic Black Pirates headline the Rugby Uganda Cup Round of 16, which gets under way this Saturday with seven intriguing ties across the country.

Pirates travel to Mbale to face the Mbale Elephants as they begin their title defence, with the champions keen to maintain their grip on the knockout competition.

"The boys have been preparing well, they have been in good spirits and are ready to get back to business," Pirates coach Marvin Odongo said.

The knockout format leaves little room for error, with the bigger teams wary of potential upsets as they take on opponents eager to make their mark. A single mistake could prove costly, particularly for sides travelling away from home
.

Kakira Simbas and Walukuba Barbarians are set for one of the most evenly matched encounters when they meet in the early kick-off at the Ruck Yard in Jinja.

Elsewhere, Toyota Buffaloes face a long journey north to Kitgum, where they will take on the Kitgum Lions, while Gulu City Falcons host KCB KOBs in Gulu.

KOBs will be eager to end their wait for the Uganda Cup, having last won the competition in 2019. Their struggles to reclaim the title reflect a period of inconsistency, but a strong start in the knockout tournament could provide the impetus they need heading into the 15-a-side season.

The KIU Crows will host Victoria University in Bushenyi, while Victoria Sharks also face a long trip to western Uganda to take on their opponents. Newly promoted Storm RFC will meet Plascon Mongers, although the venue was yet to be confirmed by press time.

Storm have already offered a glimpse of their potential, having beaten Victoria Sharks 40-26 in a friendly at Kampala Rugby Ground. The result will provide encouragement as they prepare to test themselves against more established opposition in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Hippos and Hima Impis will meet at the Ruck Yard in Jinja, with Impis aiming to build on their previous top-flight performances as they return to the competition.