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The title is on the line for Kenya Simbas and Uganda Rugby Cranes as they face off in the Victoria Cup in Kampala but how do the two sides compare heading into the crunch clash?
Kenya Simbas face bitter rivals Uganda in the Victoria Cup title decider in Kampala on Sunday.
This is the first competitive meeting between the two neighbours since 2019 and promises to be a cracking contest given the title is at stake.
Pulse Sports runs you through all you need to know ahead of the crunch fixture.
Team form
Kenya are seeking a first Victoria Cup title since 2010 when they won the inaugural edition. They currently lead the standings with five points after a 36-12 victory over Zambia on Wednesday which leaves them with a +24 points difference.
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12:22 - 04.11.2023
RUGBY Kenya Simbas make three changes for Victoria Cup title decider against Uganda
Kenya Simbas coach Carlos Katywa has made three changes to his squad as he seeks to end their 13-year wait for the Victoria Cup title with a win against hosts Uganda
Uganda, meanwhile, secured a bonus point win over Zambia, defeating them 30-8, in the tournament’s opener last weekend. The victory also earned them five points but with a +22 points difference.
Where it will be won
The game will be won by the team with few mistakes and both showed in their opening matches that they have some weaknesses that either side can take advantage of.
Kenya gave away possession easily against Zambia while also missing tackles. Coach Carlos Katywa also called out his side for their ill-discipline that saw them give away penalties, something they will have to work on against the Rugby Cranes.
Whoever wins the battle in the middle of the park will likely carry the day as it is an area where Uganda used well against Zambia who they scored three penalties against.
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14:41 - 23.10.2023
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Head coach Fred Mudoola has already named a 28-man squad and will be tasked to deliver a rare piece of silverware for the Rugby Cranes.
Key players
Kenya have the influential fullback Jone Kubu who scored a try and made two conversions against Zambia and captain George Nyambua, who also went over the line on Wednesday, to lead their charge in Kampala.
Meanwhile, Uganda have captain Ivan Magomu who scored two penalties, made a conversion and assisted for a try against Zambia plus the experience and leadership of Micheal Okorach. Besides, the home side will also enjoy a partisan crowd which will play a pivotal role for them.
What’s else is at stake?
Besides the Victoria Cup crown, the match will also act as the opening leg of the Elgon Cup with both teams keen to gain a head start before the second round in Kisumu on November 11.
Title pedigree
Kenya come into the contest as the more decorated side as they are looking for their second Victoria Cup crown while Uganda are yet to state title victory in the competition. In the Elgon Cup, Kenya are the undisputed kings, having won 11 of the 13 editions played so far and will be keen to reassert their authority.
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Uganda last won the Elgon Cup in 2012 while Kenya claimed it in 2018 before it took a break the following year.
What have they said?
“The boys are in good shape and we are good to go. They are hungry for a win and we are just waiting for the moment,” said Magomu, as quoted by Uganda’s Daily Monitor.
“We watched Uganda against Zambia, looked at where the spaces are, where do we want to play and who are the key players in the opposition side to look out for. But we do not worry much about the opposition but rather what we can execute,” Katywa said ahead of the game.
Where will it be played?
The match will be played at the King’s Park Arena in Bweyogerere, Kampala on Sunday from 4pm East African time.
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06:31 - 02.11.2023
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The former Shujaa Sevens captain believes that the side still has a long way to go before it is ready for the Kenya Cup despite winning a record 10th floodies title.
Where to watch
The contest will be broadcast live on the Uganda Rugby Union’s YouTube channel.
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