The Uganda Under-20 Rugby Cranes continue to fine-tune their preparations as they aim to secure promotion to the performance division of the Barthes Cup, using a series of competitive local trial matches to assess their readiness against experienced opposition.
The young Cranes have tested themselves against the Uganda Legends and a selected Under-23 side, with both encounters offering clear signs of progress in cohesion, physicality, and tactical discipline. The technical bench has particularly noted visible improvement in execution between the two matches, a positive indicator as the squad edges closer to continental competition.
Their next assignment will be another stern examination against a Uganda Premiership Select side, assembled from standout performers of the recently concluded league season, blended with promising Under-23 talents.
The selection is expected to provide a sharper, more competitive edge to the build-up, simulating the intensity the youngsters will face on the international stage.The Premiership Select outfit also brings added experience, featuring fully capped Uganda Rugby Cranes internationals such as Brian Wandera and Yasin Waiswa, whose presence is expected to test the resilience and decision-making of the junior side.
Former Under-20 products Matthew Musasizi, Rodney Takan, and Francis Bogere have also been included, offering a symbolic bridge between past and present generations of Ugandan rugby talent.The fixture, scheduled for Saturday as a curtain-raiser to the Uganda vs Kenya Legends clash, has been billed as an important showcase for the future of the sport in the country.
Local Organising Committee Chairperson Sarah Adong expressed confidence in the initiative, praising the commitment of the young players and the broader development project.
“This trial game is meant to officially showcase to Ugandans the product we have been preparing because the Rugby Africa Cup U20 is going to take place here; therefore, they are the ace of that. I therefore call upon all Ugandans to show these lads love by supporting them until the very end,”
Adong said while urging fans to turn up in large numbers.
The Uganda Under-20 training squad, however, is still in transition, with final selection yet to be completed. Some players, including Elijah Kantiti, remain engaged in league duties, while others are still balancing commitments with school, underscoring the developmental nature of the project as the team continues to take shape ahead of the Barthes Cup campaign.
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