The Platinum Credit Heathens defeated the Stanbic Black Pirates in the 2024 rugby championship final to be crowned champions for the 17th time.
The Heathens survived a strong Pirates second-half onslaught, to hold onto a 15-13 lead.
Pirates got the scoreboard ticking early with a penalty from flyhalf Ivan Magomu. The Heathens had a brutal response to this, scoring 12 points through two tries (Joachim Chisano and Emmanuel Byamugisha) and one conversion from Okello Malcolm Daniel.
Both teams had chances go begging with Ivan Magomu pushing a penalty to the left of the poles before Aaron Ofoywroth missed a drop goal attempt and Okello Malcolm fluffed a penalty.
Pirates hooker Nathan Bwambale would see yellow with half an hour gone for what the referees judged as intentionally knocking down the ball to break up Heathens’ passing. The first half ended 12-03 in favor of the Heathens.
Late Drama and Pirates Fightback
In that time, Pirates’ mercurial flyhalf broke the Heathens’ line thrice, catching them flat-footed only to be put down by the last man on two occasions, and without support play, the Heathens would turnover the ball. The Pirates managed two tries, with a man’s advantage, through wingers Roy Kizito and Jeremiah Okello but the conversions went wide, cutting the deficit to 13-15.
The Heathens withstood the late pressure to win 15-13 and claim the title they looked primed to win for the largest part of the season. The Heathens finished the regular season unbeaten, only seeing their record dented by KOBs in the second leg of their semifinal.
Coaches’ Reactions
“We failed to get going in the first half and that can affect your chances when your opponent keeps getting the points on the other end,” said Stanbic Balck Pirates coach Marvin Odongo at full-time.
He also lamented the team’s discipline issues, after his side received two yellow cards (Bwambale and Haruna) and had to play for 20 minutes with a man less.
“It is the mentality of these players that has gotten them to this point and they are now champions. Also, when you have Kyadondo and this electric behind you, you have to deliver the good,” said Platinum Credit Heathens coach Muhammad Athiyo.
“Our front row has struggled over the course of the season and we had to work on that before the big final to give ourselves a chance. Our greatest asset was that we insisted on being mobile with everyone in the squad and that definitely helped.”
With the double now bagged (Uganda Cup and Rugby Championship), coach Athiyo looked to suggest that his boys were turning focus towards the National Sevens crown which has eluded the side for close to a decade.
Courtesy Photos
