In a pulsating finale at Kings Park, the Black Pirates clinched the 2024-25 Uganda Rugby Premiership title, overcoming a resilient Jinja Hippos in a match that required extra time to decide the victor. The Sea Robbers’ 23-23 deadlock at the end of regulation time gave way to a dominant extra-time performance, where they scored three unanswered converted tries to secure a memorable victory.
The match kicked off with the Pirates asserting early dominance. Within five minutes, Isaac Massa’s powerful carry breached the Hippos’ line, forcing an offside penalty. William Nkore calmly slotted the penalty from inside the 22, giving the hosts a 3-0 lead. Despite the Hippos earning scrum opportunities through exit kicks from Conrad Wanyama and Nkore, the Pirates’ resolute defense held firm, delaying Jinja’s scoring chances.
However, the Hippos found their rhythm, camping in Pirates’ red zone and earning multiple penalties. From a scrum, skipper Tonny Kadhambi powered through to score near the posts, with Yasin Wasswa’s conversion handing Jinja a 7-3 lead. The Pirates responded after the water break, with Massa’s strong carries setting up quick phases. Timothy Kisiga fed Haruna Muhammad, who stretched over the try line, and Nkore’s conversion restored Pirates’ lead at 10-7.
As halftime loomed, a clean lineout and an advantage play allowed Nkore to nail a drop goal, extending the Pirates’ advantage to 13-7. But the Hippos struck back, with Terry Okore breaking tackles on the right wing to score a converted try, giving Jinja a narrow 14-13 lead at the break.
The second half saw the Pirates return with urgency. Multiple phases culminated in Conrad Wanyama grounding the ball, though Nkore’s point-blank conversion miss kept the score tight at 18-14. The momentum swung back to Jinja when Haruna Muhammad’s failure to clear gifted the Hippos a penalty, which Wasswa converted. The Hippos’ flyhalf added two more penalties, sending the away fans into a frenzy as Jinja surged ahead 23-18.
With the home crowd silenced, Pirates’ “messiah” Ivan Magomu rose to the occasion. After relentless phases, he scored near the posts, but his missed conversion from close range left the score tied at 23-23, forcing extra time.
The additional 30 minutes belonged to the Sea Robbers. The Hippos went cold, while Pirates ran riot with tries from Timothy Kisiga, Jones Kamiza, and Haruna Muhammad, all converted by a now-clinical Magomu. The 21 unanswered points in extra time sealed a dramatic victory, sparking wild celebrations at Kings Park.
The Black Pirates’ resilience, depth, and ability to seize critical moments underscored their championship pedigree. For the Jinja Hippos, it was a valiant effort that fell just short in a final that will be remembered as a classic in Ugandan rugby history.