THE National rugby team ‘Silverbacks’ coach Gerald Nsenga has paid growing tribute to his team for reaching the final of the Plate category in the Kwoloo Development Cup, a traditional curtain raiser of the Hong Kong 10s.

Silverbacks won four and lost one of their five group stage matches. They beat New South Wales 26-5, Hurricane Gentlemen 28-0, Pirates 14-2, Marcu 7-0, but lost to hosts Kwoloo 5-0.

Their brilliant performance in the group stages saw them finish second and qualify for the final of the Plate category where they lost 0-7 to New Zealand ARC.

And after such an outstanding performance in their first international tournament, Nsenga reckons that the team has made a huge step forward in the game.

"They demonstrated the raw talent that they have in the game. Though we lost, the team has been the center of focus in this tournament. I couldn’t be more appreciative of the boys,” Nsenga told Times Sport by phone from Hong Kong.

Silverbacks will return next week and immediately travel to Uganda where they are set to take part in the Nile Special fun rugby tournament that will take place at Dam waters Grounds in Jinja, Uganda next Friday.

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