Black Pirates Captain Frank Kidega Hails Enterprise Cup Impact Ahead of Nairobi Final

The Black Pirates have officially launched their campaign ahead of the Enterprise Cup final, set to take place at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

This year's final will be hosted by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), with the 2027 edition scheduled for Kampala, Uganda.

The Pirates secured their spot in the prestigious final after a remarkable run, which included an upset victory over KCB Rugby at Wankulukuku and a convincing win against the Nondies at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere.

The launch event was attended by Eric Butime, the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) Vice President of Commercial, who praised the team's journey to the final.

"Here we are, with a Ugandan team in the final. Believe me, that was a permutation that most believed wouldn’t be possible at the start. So, well done to Pirates for representing," Butime stated, as quoted by Kawowo Sports.

Butime emphasised that the revival of the Enterprise Cup, a joint initiative between URU and KRU, has been a significant victory for Ugandan rugby. He pointed to three key benefits: improved preparation for the national team, increased player inspiration, and enhanced commercial viability for the sport.

Central to the Pirates' success has been the leadership of Captain Frank Kidega. The versatile lock and flanker understands the weight of the Pirates jersey and sees the tournament as a crucial step in his team's development.

"This is a good experience for Pirates. A lot of young players have got an opportunity to test themselves against the best," Kidega noted.

Competing on a regional stage has elevated the team's performance, a change Kidega has fully embraced.

"Standards have definitely gone up, from the way we train to the way we play," he remarked. "We’ve upped the intensity of our training sessions because we are preparing to play semi-pros at that level."

The Enterprise Cup final is scheduled for May 30 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. According to fans' coordinator Daniel Abaasa, a large contingent of Pirates and Ugandan supporters is expected to travel by road on the evening of May 28 to cheer on their team.