Kenya Legends celebrate after winning the SportPesa Legends Cup/HANDOUT
Kenya Rugby Legends successfully defended their SportPesa Legends Cup title, overturning a first-leg deficit to beat Uganda Legends 17-10 in the return fixture in Kampala and secure a 32-26 aggregate victory.
The result completed a dramatic turnaround for Kenya, who had suffered a narrow 16-15 defeat in the first leg in Nairobi—a loss that snapped their six-match unbeaten run against their East African rivals.
Collins Injera got Kenya off the mark early, capitalising on space in the Ugandan defence to score the opening try, although the conversion drifted wide.
Uganda got on the scoreboard through a penalty midway through the first half, but Kenya responded on the stroke of half-time when Victor Sudi crossed for a second try, sending the visitors into the break with a seven-point lead.
The second half turned into an arm wrestle, with both sides squandering penalty opportunities before Kenya made the decisive breakthrough. Tony Owuor's try in the 64th minute, converted by Darwin Mukidza, stretched the lead to 17-3.
Uganda hit back through Robert Aziku to close within seven points and twice opted for close-range scrums instead of kickable penalties in search of a match-turning try. However, Kenya's defence held firm on both occasions, sealing a hard-fought 17-10 victory and a 32-26 aggregate triumph.
The SportPesa Legends Cup, launched in 2023, brings together former rugby greats from Kenya and Uganda in an annual two-leg exhibition series, celebrating the sport's history in East Africa while inspiring the next generation of players.
Elsewhere, South Coast Pirates have announced the departure of head coach Tony Khadambi following the expiry of his one-year contract.
Khadambi guided the coastal side to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship promotion play-offs, where their bid for a place in the top flight ended in defeat to Homeboyz Rugby Club.
In a statement, the club thanked the coach for his contribution during his time in charge.
"South Coast Pirates and Head Coach Tony Khadambi have parted ways following the conclusion of his one-year contract. We thank Coach Tony for his dedication, passion, and commitment to the Pirates badge throughout the past season and wish him nothing but success in his next chapter. The club will communicate updates on the coaching structure in due course. Once a Pirate, Always a Pirate."
