Elgon Cup 2024: Kenyan and Ugandan fans get front-row access as key broadcaster secures coverage

Elgon Cup 2024: Kenyan and Ugandan fans get front-row access as key broadcaster secures coverage

Festus Chuma 17:00 - 12.11.2024

Kenyan and Ugandan fans are set for an electrifying Elgon Cup finale this Saturday, with live coverage ensuring they won’t miss a moment as the Cranes battle the Simbas in Kampala.

Rugby fans in Kenya and Uganda will have a chance to watch one of the most thrilling rugby rivalries in East Africa as Simbas face off against the Uganda Rugby Cranes in the second leg of the 2024 Elgon Cup.

The match, set to take place this Saturday, November 16, at Kings Park Arena in Kampala, promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with Kenya holding a slim two-point lead after a nail-biting 27-25 victory in Nairobi.

The much-anticipated game will be broadcast live, bringing the intensity of this regional derby directly to the homes of rugby enthusiasts.

Uganda’s premier sports broadcaster, NBS Sport will be airing the match marking an exciting partnership with the Uganda Rugby Union to bolster the visibility of rugby in the region.

"We are thrilled to bring the return leg of the Elgon Cup between the Uganda Cranes and Kenya Simbas to our viewers live," said Victor Akatwijuka, Brand Manager at NBS Sport on a phone interview with Pulse Sports.

"This is just the beginning. In partnership with the Uganda Rugby Union, we are committed to delivering more world-class rugby to Ugandans."

Ugandan fans are expected to turn out in full force at Kings Park Arena, creating a charged atmosphere that could provide the Cranes with the boost they need to overturn Kenya’s narrow lead.

Saturday's match is a decisive opportunity for the Ugandan side to reclaim the Elgon Cup, a title they narrowly missed out on last year.

For Kenya, victory would not only secure bragging rights but also help maintain their dominance in the overall series standings, where they lead with 10 titles to Uganda’s seven.

The first leg in Nairobi was a testament to the intensity of the Elgon Cup, as both teams traded leads in a tightly contested game.

Uganda, initially on the back foot, rallied to take a slim 14-12 advantage just before halftime, but the Simbas came roaring back in the second half.

Kenya’s star player, Brian Wahinya, led a formidable charge that saw the Simbas establish a 24-17 lead.

Although the Cranes managed to close the gap to 27-25, Kenya’s resilient defense held firm, denying Uganda the final breakthrough they needed.

For NBS Sport, this Elgon Cup coverage is a significant step toward promoting rugby across Uganda and East Africa.

"This broadcast reinforces our commitment to supporting Ugandan sports and offering premium local content to sports fans across the country," added Akatwijuka.

The company’s decision to stream the match live on the Afro Mobile app makes the game accessible to a wider audience,further highlighting the growing interest in rugby in Uganda and the region.

The Elgon Cup, an annual event named after the iconic Mount Elgon that straddles the Kenya-Uganda border, has been a staple of East African rugby since 2004.

Over the years, it has evolved from a friendly competition into a fiercely contested battle that now includes women’s and Under-20 categories, building a robust rugby culture across both nations.

Kenya’s global ranking of 32nd with 52.55 points compared to Uganda’s 40th place with 47.84 points.

The Elgon Cup serves as a springboard for the teams to elevate their World Rugby standings, with ranking points awarded based on the final score, the opponent’s rank and the winning margin.

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