Victoria Cup Schedule:
*Uganda Vs. Zambia, 28th October (Kings Park Arena)
*Kenya Vs. Zambia, 2nd November (Kyadondo Rugby Grounds)
*Uganda Vs. Kenya, 5th November (Kings Park Arena)
The Uganda men’s national rugby team, known as the Rugby Cranes, aim to kick off their 2023 Victoria Cup campaign strongly as they confront Zambia in the opening match at Bweyogerere.
Uganda is hosting this three-nation tournament, joined by neighboring Kenya, with matches scheduled at Kings Park in Bweyogerere and Kyadondo Rugby grounds.
The Victoria Cup, last contested in 2019 and won by Zimbabwe, sees no title defense from the former champions in Uganda this year.
This tournament operates on a single-leg basis.
Kenya will challenge Zambia at Kyadondo on November 2, followed by Uganda facing Kenya in Bweyogerere on November 5.
The clash between Uganda and Kenya marks the initial stage of the Elgon Cup, with Uganda scheduled to visit Kenya in Kisumu for the return leg.
The Rugby Cranes resume action for the first time since July last year, participating in the Rugby Africa Cup, where they were halted by Kenya in the Quarterfinals. The team clinched fifth place after triumphing over Ivory Coast in a playoff final in France, a tournament that also served as the World Cup Qualifiers.
Rugby Cranes’ coach, Fred Mudoola, has revealed the starting 15 for the showdown against Zambia.
Captain Ivan Magomu takes the Fly Half position, partnering with his Pirates teammate Conrad Wanyama, who plays as Scrum Half.
Veteran Michael Wokorach is positioned at Outside Centre.
Faragi Odugo serves as the Hooker, supported by Santos Sentaza and Collins Kimbowa in the Prop positions.
Charles Uhuru and Elphaz Emong secure the Locks, while the back-row features Byron Oketayot, Joaquin Chisano, and Mark Omonding.
Eric Mulamula takes on the role of Inside Centre, Jacob Ocen as Left Wing, Shakim Ssembusi as Right Wing, and Timothy Kisiga starts as Fullback.
