Uganda claims maiden SportPesa Legends Cup as betting operator backs rugby in East Africa
Historic victory in Kenya highlights the growing role of betting sponsorship in shaping East African sport.
Uganda.- Uganda Legends claimed their first-ever SportPesa Legends Cup title after edging Kenya Legends 16-15 in a dramatic contest in Mombasa, Kenya, as betting operator SportPesa continued to expand its East African footprint through rugby investment and sports sponsorship.
SportPesa said: “Since its inception in 2023, the tournament, sponsored by SportPesa, has brought together former rugby greats from both sides of the border, allowing them to relive their glory days while celebrating the sport they helped build.”
The victory ended Kenya’s six-match dominance in the competition. Kenya had won all three previous editions of the tournament and entered the clash unbeaten across six encounters against their regional rivals.
Played at Mombasa Sports Club on June 6, the one-off exhibition fixture marked the first time the SportPesa-backed competition had been staged in Mombasa since its launch in 2023. The event also took the tournament away from its traditional Nairobi base for the first time.
SportPesa has continued to back sport across East Africa, with rugby remaining part of its sponsorship portfolio. This year’s edition also brought the tournament to Kenya’s coast, expanding its footprint beyond Nairobi.
SportPesa highlighted the significance of Uganda’s breakthrough victory, noting that “Uganda Legends ended a six-match winless streak against Kenya Legends, edging their rivals 15-16 in a single exhibition match to clinch their first-ever SportPesa Legends Cup.”
On the field, Uganda struck first through Ivan Kirabo before Kenya responded with a try from Darwin Mukidza to take a 5-3 lead into half-time. Uganda regained momentum in the second half through Michael Wokorach’s try and Kirabo’s accurate kicking, before surviving a late Kenyan comeback as Kirabo slotted the decisive penalty to seal a famous 16-15 victory. With the return leg scheduled for July 4 in Kampala, the competition continues to strengthen its place on East Africa’s rugby calendar.
