Event: Guinness 7s, Western Circuit
Date: Saturday, 13th November 2021
Venue: Kabale Stadium
After winning the Henry Rujumba Sevens at Kings Park, Bweyogerere over the weekend, Stanbic Black Pirates now have 77 points in the Guinness 7s table but remain second and are six points behind log leaders Betway Kobs with just two circuits left to wind down the series.
The weekend circuit win at home was Pirates’ first in three attempts but the Sea Robbers now have a chance to narrow down Kobs lead and must do so by winning the fifth circuit of the series also dubbed Kigezi 7s slated for Saturday, 13th November at Kabale Stadium.
Pirates who are seeded in Pool A alongside co-hosts Kabale Silverbacks, Buffalos and their own development side Sailors are bound to face Heathens in the semis and if triumphant will possibly meet Kobs in the final if the series leaders come out triumphant all the way through to the final bend of proceedings.
With the above scenario likely to play out, Pirates Captain Ivan Magomu is aware of the task at hand and is skeptical not to allow the Soroti scenario happen where they lost to Heathens in the semis, something that made Kobs to almost put one hand in the title.
“We are under pressure to deliver but we have to shoulder on. We shall not be reluctant (in Kabale) and I believe the boys will do a good job. We shall do our best to ensure that everything goes our way,” Magomu said ahead of the Western Circuit.
For Magomu, the heartbreaks in the opening three circuits helped the side gain more experience in a tough way and now the players are in the session of righting their wrongs. He also adds that the circuit win at their own backyard has given them confidence going forward.
The Kigezi 7s will be hosted by Kigezi Silverbacks and Kampala based Rams RUFC.
Log leaders Kobs are in Pool C alongside Impis, Mongers and Warriors while Pool B has Heathens, Jinja Hippos, Rams and invited side Mbarara Titans.
Heathens are third on the series table with 72 points. Buffaloes are fourth with 58 points, four ahead of fifth placed Jinja Hippos.
However, in Kabale, teams will have to brave for high altitude rugby and conditions that come with it including harsh weather conditions especially when the sun is about to set.
After the Kabale do, the Guinness 7s will come to a close the following weekend (20th & 21st November) at Legends Grounds in Kabale. The final leg will be hosted by Kobs and will be organized by Beyond Sports Organization (BSO).
Kigezi 7s Pools
Pool A: Pirates, Buffaloes, Sailors & Kabale Silverbacks.
Pool B: Heathens, Jinja Hippos, Rams & Mbarara Titans.
Pool C: Kobs, Impis, Mongers & Warriors.
Guinness 7s schedule.
*1st Leg : 2nd & 3rd October. Warriors/Legends (Central Circuit). Winners: Kobs
*2nd Leg: 9th October. Gulu Elephants/Gulu grounds (Northern Circuit). Winners: Kobs
*3rd Leg: 16th October. Soroti. Rangers/ Soroti Stadium (Eastern Circuit). Winners: Kobs
*4th Leg: 6th/7th November. Black pirates/ King’s Park (Central Circuit). Winners: Black Pirates
*5th Leg: 13th November. Rams RFC/ Kabale Stadium (Western Circuit)
*6th Leg: 20th/21st November. BSO/Legends (Central Circuit).
