Aggregate 36–30 secures Buffaloes showdown on 27 June
Before kick-off, both teams observed a moment of silence for Pirates flanker Sydney Gongodyo, who left us on 5 June. It was Pirates’ first home match since his demise; their last home game had been the first leg of the quarter-finals against Walukuba before they traveled to Nairobi for the Enterprise Cup finals.
Stanbic Black Pirates’ bid to retain the Uganda Rugby Premiership title stayed alive after they edged Platinum Credit Heathens 36–30 on aggregate in the semifinals, despite losing the second round of Semi-Final One Round 2, 21–27 at King’s Park Arena, Bweyogerere.
The defending champions carried a 15–3 lead from Round One at Kyadondo on 13 June. That 12-point cushion proved decisive as Heathens won Round Two but could not overturn the deficit. Pirates now face Toyota Buffaloes in the final on 27 June.
Analysis: Territory vs Composure
Heathens dominated through territory and sustained pressure. They spent long periods in Pirates’ half, forced handling errors, and scored through penalties from Matthew and Malcom, a drop goal from Joseph Oyet, and tries from Patrick Okello and Jude Jjuko. Malcom converted Jude’s try.
Pirates struck at key moments. Roy Kizito scored from a lineout maul. Haruna crossed after a run from Alex Aturinda. Timothy Kisiga added three penalties and converted one of two tries — his composure under pressure earned him Man of the Match.
Discipline cost both sides. Heathens’ Lawrence Ssebuliba was yellow carded for a high tackle on Roy Kizito. Pirates’ Haruna Muhammad saw yellow for ball tapping. Each team spent time with 14 men on the pitch.
Heathens remain the only side to have beaten Pirates in the Premiership this season and have ended the home winning streak at Pirates’ fortress. But aggregate rugby rewards composure across 160 minutes, not just 80.
A First Title Defence Awaits
This is the second straight year Pirates and Heathens have met in the semifinals. In 2025, Pirates won both legs 42–31 on aggregate before beating Jinja Hippos. This year, Heathens pushed them harder — Heathens won two of three meetings this season, but Pirates survived on aggregate.
Pirates have lifted the Premiership in 2018, 2023, and 2025. They have never successfully defended their crown. That opportunity comes on 27 June when they meet Buffaloes at a venue to be announced.
Buffaloes qualified with a 48–23 aggregate win over Makerere Impis. They won 20–11 in the first leg on 6 June at Makerere Rugby Ground and 28–12 in the second leg on 12 June at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.
Who will take the crown? Next weekend decides whether Toyota Buffaloes makes history or Stanbic Black Pirates defends the title.
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