2025 Uganda Cup | Semifinals | Saturday November 29, | 4 p.m
- Black Pirates Vs KOBs – Kings Park Arena
- Heathens Vs Buffaloes – Kyadondo Rugby Ground
The KOBs’ hunt for long overdue silverware reaches a defining point this weekend as they visit the in form Black Pirates in an Uganda Cup semifinal heavy with history and rivalry.
For a side that hasn’t lifted a major trophy since 2021, and last won this Cup in 2018, the moment carries real weight.
They’ve traded blows with both Pirates and Heathens in recent years but always fell short when titles were within reach.
Making the semifinal is progress, but they arrive as underdogs after a smaller winning margin over Rhinos handed Pirates home advantage at Kings Park.
Still, the KOBs cling to one comforting memory: they are the last team to beat Pirates in a 15s match.
That 2025 league clash ended in chaos and celebration after Josiah Ssempeke nailed a last second drop goal with the clock already in the red, typical of what happens when these two giants collide.
On current form, though, Pirates look untouchable. They tore through the group stage with a jaw-dropping 319 points in four games, an average of 79.75 per match.
Only Buffaloes came anywhere close at 199. Their quarterfinal was just as ruthless, sweeping aside Impis 68–20.
KOBs’ numbers are harder to read because of walkovers, but they know Saturday won’t be won on statistics. It will take determination, accuracy and nerves against a Pirates side in full flow.
The second semifinal at Kyadondo carries its own fire. Heathens and Buffaloes renew their “Swamp Derby,” a fixture built on grit and neighborhood pride.
Despite their historic dominance, and a four trophy haul in 2024, Heathens enter still chasing their first silverware of 2025.
They lost the 15s title in the semifinals to Pirates but clawed back to finish second in the National 7s, just ahead of Buffaloes.
Buffaloes, holders of this year’s swamp bragging rights, have become a disciplined, fearless side and will fancy their chances on familiar ground.
