In a season defined by grit, resilience and unrelenting spirit, Black Pearls Rugby Club sealed their fourth consecutive Uganda Women’s Rugby Premiership title but this one felt different on Saturday evening at the Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.
Saturday’s showdown against perennial rivals Thunderbirds ended in a 10-24 loss for the Pearls, marking their first league defeat in four years.
But the damage was only symbolic. Despite the defeat, both teams finished the season with 11 wins and one loss each and it was the Pearls’ superior points difference that saw them edge ahead to claim the crown once again.
Following the emotionally charged match, head coach Hellen Buteme cut a reflective yet defiant figure as she spoke to the media, summing up a season full of hardship, fight and eventual triumph.
“For some reason, the girls got on pitch and decided to change how we had trained, how to play,” Buteme remarked with a wry smile.
“It’s only towards the last 10 minutes they realized that their game plan wasn’t working and switched to mine. But thankfully, we were able to keep Thunderbirds out.”
Thunderbirds needed a bonus point win to steal the title, and they came out firing, pushing the Pearls to the brink.
“Credit to Thunderbirds,” Buteme acknowledged. “They came hard, they wanted that bonus point. But at the end of the day, we were not going to let them take this title. It belongs to us and it’s staying with us.”
This season, however, tested Black Pearls in ways that went far beyond the pitch. From financial strain to logistical challenges, the journey was anything but smooth.
“It’s been a really tough season,” Buteme admitted. “We’ve been faced by financial challenges. Sometimes we couldn’t train. Sometimes we weren’t sure if we’d be able to make it to a game or not. Up to last night, we were still fundraising to get here today.”
She was quick to credit the community that stood behind them. “I just want to thank everybody who has contributed towards Black Pearl’s training, towards us traveling for matches, towards us hosting the matches. Without you, this title wouldn’t have been possible.”
Buteme also paid tribute to her players, who battled through difficult circumstances with unwavering determination. “They’ve trained under tough conditions, played under tough circumstances, but kept their heads up.”
The team also had to weather the departure of their talismanic star, Emily Lekuru. “It was a huge blow,” Buteme said. “She’s a special player, irreplaceable. But Pearls is going to move forward. Players are ready to step up, not to become Emily, but to become stars in their own right.”
The coach painted a picture of a dynamic and evolving team, an intergenerational blend of veterans and young blood.
“There’s been a mix,” she explained. “Veterans like Charlotte Mudola, Peace Mirembe. Young talents like Rebecca Kabajungu and Lilian Namuddu. Our sevens players joined midway Lydia Nambiro, Rachel Mufuwa, Grace Auma, Susan Adong. And upcoming stars like Gladys Achen, Sharifa Kobusingye, and Mary Grace Akoth, our pint-sized flanker who hits like a truck despite her size.”
Despite the loss on Saturday, Buteme sees value in it.
“Four years without losing a league game makes people become very complacent. Now we’ve had to have a deep look inside. This loss is good for us. It reminds us we’re not invincible.”
Looking ahead, the Pearls are already setting their sights on the Uganda Cup and the sevens season. “We’re going to work to bring back that aura,” Buteme promised.
She also had high praise for Thunderbirds. “They’re the best-resourced team in the league, zero issues. They brought the game to us, and any weaker team would have cracked under that pressure. But at the end of the day, our goal was won.”
For now, the trophy returns home to Black Pearls. A symbol of dominance, yes, but more so of a team that has learned, endured, and emerged stronger.
“It belongs to us,” Buteme said firmly. “It belongs to us.”
