Stanbic Black Pirates secured a crucial victory over rivals Heathens at Kyadondo Rugby Ground in the first leg of the Rugby League Championship semi-finals, leaving the hosts with a 12-point deficit to overturn in next weekend’s return fixture.
The Pirates opened the scoring through Eric Mulamula, before William Nkore added a penalty to extend the visitors’ advantage. The first half was marked by a strong defensive display from Timothy Kisiga, who produced a crucial last-ditch intervention to deny Heathens a try.
Heathens responded after the break, with Mathew Musasizi converting a penalty to reduce the deficit to 8–3.
The Pirates then made a key substitution, bringing on Haruna Muhammad in place of William Nkore.
Shortly after, a well-constructed move resulted in a try for the visitors, which was successfully converted by Timothy Kisiga, who had switched to the number 10 jersey, extending the lead to 15–3.
In response, Heathens coach Marvin Odongo made changes to strengthen his defensive structure, introducing Samuel Lubwama for Muhumuza.
Speaking after the match, Pirates captain Isaac Massanganzira described the encounter as an early indication of the intensity expected in the return leg at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere.
The return fixture is scheduled for next Saturday and will begin with a memorial walk in honour of late Pirates player Sydney Gongodyo. The walk will start at TMT Shopping Mall, where the player was tragically killed, and conclude at Kings Park Arena.