Page 13 - July - Sept 2022 Edition

Photographer: Nicholas Bamulanzeki
Photo Courtesy of Nile Breweries Ltd
David Valencia MD Nile Breweries Ltd (5th from Left) and the Uganda Rugby Cranes 7’s
Squad
The atmosphere in the stands was electrifying with jubilant rugby fans at the Kyadondo
Rugby Grounds. The team made history yet again and it was sobering to see the
Minister of State for Sports Hon. Hamson Obua addressing the lads and promising more
help to the team as it prepares for the international tournaments in Cape Town and
Birmingham. If the Rugby World Cup retains the format used in the 2018 seven’s World Cup then
we should brace ourselves yet again. The first game was a knock out and this time as Africa’s
best qualifying team we shall get a bit lower ranked team as compared to say Zimbabwe and
Kenya who qualified as 2nd and 3rd respectively for the Rugby Seven’s World Cup.
It is scary that the lads are going to get much better. 3 or 4 players missed the team due to
some niggling injuries and they are in the struggle to get super fit and showcase their potential
at the bigger stage. The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) under President Godwin Kayangwe and
team did a splendid job too. Yet again, we have confirmed that we are able hosts even after
the slump brought around due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
There was no mistaking the bold colours of Nile Special who is indeed Uganda Rugby’s
number 1 fan. Their support and generosity was clear and all of the visiting 13 teams and
officials left Uganda in ‘high’ spirits and got a glimpse of our potential hosts for future
tournaments. The fans were outstanding and never before have we witnessed such passion
in various fully packed stands. The fans braved the Day 2 downpour and it was clear that
something big was bound to happen.

The biggest game was always to be against the Kenya Shujaas. We have previously beaten
Kenyan sides but they always claimed to present their 2nd teams. This time around there was no
excuse. We clearly beat them and they were humble in defeat as we were gracious in victory.
The final game was a formality. We clearly showed that we were head and shoulders above the
competition. This team will surely go far with more support from the National Council of Sports,
Uganda Olympics Committee and Nile Special.
UGANDA SQUAD: Michael Okorach (Captain), Ian Munyani (Vice Captain), Aaron Ofoyrwoth,
Philip Wokorach, Adrian Kasito, Claude Otema, Kelvin Balaggade, Timothy Kisiga, Desire Ayera,
Nobert Okeny, Karim Arinaitwe, Isaac Massanganzira. Tolbert Onyango (Head Coach)
Michael Wandera (Team Manager)

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