Enterprise Cup: KCB Lose Narrowly to Uganda's Black Pirates as Focus Shifts to Kenya Cup Playoffs

KCB Rugby have shifted their focus to the crucial Kenya Cup playoffs following a narrow 10-11 defeat to Ugandan side Black Pirates in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinal at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.

The contest began with visible nerves from the Pirates, who missed an early penalty that could have handed them a quick lead.

However, Mukore Wayne soon steadied matters, calmly slotting a penalty to give the Pirates a 3-0 advantage and settle his side into the game.

Momentum swung firmly in favour of the visitors when Pirates captain Bob Muhati was temporarily sin-binned. Despite this, the Pirates held their composure, earning another penalty and converting it to extend their lead to 6-0.

KCB struggled to break down the Pirates’ defensive structure for the remainder of the half, taking a deserved deficit into the break.

The second half opened with intensity as Sheldon Kahi crossed for KCB’s opening try, narrowing the scoreline to 6-5. Unfortunately for the bankers, Levy Amunga’s missed conversion proved pivotal in a contest of fine margins.

Pirates responded immediately, with Okelo scoring to extend their lead to 11-5, reasserting control just as KCB looked to build momentum. However, the bankers refused to back down.

Michael Wekesa powered over for a crucial try, bringing KCB within a single point at 11-10. Once again, the extras went begging, as Wahinya missed the conversion that could have swung the lead in KCB’s favour.

In the end, the Pirates held on to secure an 11-10 victory, a result built on discipline, defensive resolve, and capitalising on key moments.

Reflecting on the narrow loss, Forwards Coach Brian Nyikuli said: “We lost a tight one, and credit to Pirates for taking their chances. For us, the focus now shifts fully to the Kenya Cup playoffs. That is where our season will be defined, and we have to be sharper in those key moments.”

KCB Rugby captain Bob Muhati echoed this sentiment, adding: “It is a tough loss, especially in a game decided by such small margins. But we take the lessons and move forward. Our focus is now on the Kenya Cup playoffs, and we believe we have what it takes to compete and finish strong.”

With the Enterprise Cup disappointment behind them, KCB now turn their full attention to the Kenya Cup playoffs, where they will aim to convert lessons learned into victories and challenge for the title.