Julius Mbaraga
12 May 2008
Kigali — The national men's rugby team 'Silverbacks' were Saturday crowned champions of the 2008 CAR Super 16 tournament after edging hosts Burundi in the final played in Bujumbura.
The Silverbacks, who were only playing in their first ever Super 16 final, resisted a brave effort from the hosts to finish off with a 7-5 victory.
Fullback Vincent Kamali scored the all important try for the Silverbacks to finish off as the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and top scorer with six tries. Kamali was also named as the African Television Sportsman of the tournament.
"He had a fascinating tournament and there was hardly any one to match his form," team manager Paul Ogaa told Times Sport. After the final, Silverbacks coach Gerard Nsenga attributed the final's low score to Burundi's good game.
"I think Burundi played equally well. They had a couple of expatriates mainly South Africans in their side and that helped them a great deal," Nsenga explained.
En route the final, the Silverbacks beat KIBUBU, a Belgian based club 69-25 thanks in no small part to Kamali who exposed the opponent's backline with five tries.
The title will now propel the Silverbacks to compete in next year's Castle Super 16 tournament alongside Tanzania, Reunion and hosts Mayote Islands.
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