Going into today’s Nile Special Rugby Championship semifinal return leg against Jinja Hippos, holders Stanbic Black Pirates have set sights on an improved performance having fallen short away at Dam Waters last weekend.
The Marvin Odong coached side have improved on their structures and combinations ahead of the finely poised tie that sees the Hippos hold a one-point advantage.
Lock Frank Kidega who will team up with the returning Moses Zziwa in the second row for the crunch tie at 4pm at King’s Park Arena believes the team is braced for the challenge.
“We have worked on defense, attack and set plays and we have to be better than them in those areas. The Hippos have stepped up and they have pushed us to the wire in the last three seasons. They beat us at their home and we have to take the game to them at our home ground,” noted Kidega.
“We don’t have any major injury set backs and we have a couple of players coming back to the side. Our target is to play the best rugby and win the trophy,” he added.
Regarding their first leg performance, he points to a break down in the second half as having proved costly for the sea robbers.
“We had the game in the first half and took it to the Hippos and unfortunately we lost it in the final play. We have another chance and we just have to come to our home ground and be the better side,” he stated.
Center Isaac Massa will lead the side having returned to the fold following a one-year absence due to national sevens duty as Haruna Muhammed slots in at fullback.
In another semifinal clash, Platinum Credit Heathens who were 28-19 winners against KCB KOBs in their first leg will play at home.
