Uganda’s Black Pirates Rugby Club will welcome Kenya’s Menengai Oilers for an international friendly match this weekend at Kings Park Arena, Kampala.
The fixture is part of the Oilers’ pre-season preparations ahead of the 2025/26 Kenya Cup season, which kicks off on November 16. The Nakuru-based side is keen to sharpen its squad against quality opposition, while the Black Pirates, one of Uganda’s top rugby outfits promise a stern test.
The clash also provides the hosts an opportunity to measure themselves against one of Kenya’s fastest-rising clubs.
This encounter adds another chapter to the growing rugby ties between Kenya and Uganda, with cross-border friendlies and tournaments becoming increasingly common. Fans on both sides of the border are expected to turn up in numbers, eager to witness a contest that goes beyond preparation.
Confirming the friendly through their social media platforms, the Black Pirates announced:
“The Rift Valley Challenge is on! Menengai Oilers will be at the Arena this weekend. Action-packed rugby display. Ugali and soup menu. Let’s welcome the ndugus. COME ON YOU PIRATES.”
The Gibson Weru coached side head into the fixture fresh from a third-place finish at the National Sevens Circuit. They will be eager to extend their good run into the 15s format, where they fell just short last season after losing to Kabras Sugar in both the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup finals.
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