KAMPALA— As the sun sets on the final week before kickoff, Uganda’s Rugby Cranes are in full flight—focused, fired up, and fortified by home advantage. With the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup just days away, all eyes are on the 28-man squad named to represent the nation in what promises to be a historic tournament on home turf.
The stakes? Nothing less than a ticket to the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.
Uganda opens its campaign against arch-rivals Kenya on Tuesday, July 8th at 4 PM at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Nambole. The day’s action starts early, with defending champions Zimbabwe facing Morocco at 10:00 AM. The eight-team tournament includes continental heavyweights such as Namibia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Algeria, and Morocco—all vying for African supremacy and a coveted place on the world stage.
A Squad Built for Battle
Head Coach Fred Mudoola has assembled a dynamic blend of experience and youth. Leading the side is Byron Oketayot, flanked by vice-captains Frank Kidega and Conrad Wanyama Wandera, bringing both tactical discipline and locker room presence. Star names like Philip Wokorach—long revered in African rugby circles—headline a backline brimming with pace and versatility, including Timothy Kisiga, Adrian Kasito, and Aaron Ofoywroth.
The forward pack, often Uganda’s engine room, features workhorses like Pius Ogena and Alex Aturinda, with new energy injected by emerging talents like Blair Ayebazibwe and Santos Wycliff Ssenteza. The 28-man roster reads like a statement: Uganda is not just hosting—they’re gunning to win.
Supporting them off the pitch is a robust technical bench, including experienced coaches Leonard Lubambula and Harold Marvin Odong, with South African legends Marais Cornelius Johannes and Zane Kirchner offering high-level tactical insights as consultants. It’s an all-hands-on-deck operation, with logistical and medical teams poised to deliver peak performance environments.
Momentum from the South
Fresh from a challenging preparation tour in Southern Africa, the Cranes arrive with battle-tested resilience. Assistant Coach Leonard Lubambula described the tour as a “mental and tactical proving ground.” The team faced Namibia and clubs in Limpopo, experiencing both hard-fought wins and a humbling 100-0 loss that he says “taught us more than any victory ever could.”
“The cohesion we built, the fire in the boys, the lessons from the losses—this is the fuel we need. We are ready,” Leonard added.
Home Crowd, High Expectations
The buzz around Kampala is electric. From club faithfuls to casual fans, the Rugby Africa Cup has turned into a national conversation. But it’s not without controversy—some supporters are voicing frustration over ticket pricing, calling for affordability to ensure stadium-wide support.
Still, spirits remain high.
“We have all it takes this time,” said Joan Nyesiga, a diehard Pirates RFC fan. “We’re at home, and we must beat Kenya. This is our moment.”
For NKamba Alvin, it’s personal: “I’m getting my new sneakers for Tuesday—I want to be part of history.”
Sponsors are also embracing the energy. Samuel Hooper, head of marketing at Harris International, called rugby a “party, a vibe, a culture,” emphasizing their commitment not just as sponsors but as fans. “We’re not just partners—we are part of the team.”
The Road to France 2027 Begins Here
The Rugby Africa Cup 2025 is more than a tournament. It is a gateway to a global dream. The winner earns a spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in France, and for Uganda, playing at home adds pressure—but also power.
In past years, Uganda has flirted with continental greatness. Now, with the crowd behind them, a carefully selected squad, and lessons learned in the crucible of Southern Africa, the Cranes have their clearest shot yet.
Rugby fans—get ready. On July 2nd, the whistle will blow, and Uganda’s campaign begins. It’s more than a match. It’s a mission.
