The long wait is over! The Nile Special National Open Regional Finals will be held this weekend in Eastern Uganda. 18 players from 6 districts will compete for slots in the prestigious Grand Finale.
Close to 8,000 players have participated in the mini qualifiers at 320 venues in 53 districts across the country.
The top 32 players from each district will compete in the regional finals. The two finalists from each regional tournament will qualify for the Grand Finale, along with the third-place finisher.
The regional finals will be held on Friday, August 11th and Saturday, August 12th at 6 venues in Eastern Uganda:
Nature Gardens- Soroti
Soroti will be host to 32 of the best players who have qualified from the region including players from Katakwi, Moroto and Soroti itself.
Notable participants include Samuel Oiko, Samuel Ecumu, Tom Ebulu, Vincent Atiaku, as well as Moroto’s finest – David Oguli.
They will expect stiff competition from Dr Joseph Epodoi; a seasoned qualifier who has somewhat balanced playing pool with excellence in Medical practice.
Epodoi is officially Uganda’s best surgeon after successfully separating Siamese twins for the first time in Uganda.
There won’t be a clear favorite; but it will surely be very competitive.
The Oak Bar & Restaurant – Mbale
The Eastern capital will also be host to 32 more shooters from in and around Mbale and Kapchorwa districts.
Mbale’s finest shooter Abdul Mafabi will be a clear favorite for the win; but he won’t have it all his way.
He can be knocked out before the semis; especially if he is drawn against the likes of Rashid Wanade “Helicopter”, Veteran player Modi Edward, John Bosco Kibeti or seasoned Qualifier Eddy Ojakol– a DJ of the qualifying venue.
Friends’ Corner – Mbikko
Lugazi’s finest shooter Jonathan “Savimbi” Ouma will have his work cut out; trying to qualify for the first time to the grand finale.
Another equally good shooter Arnold Ssemukwaano will be attempting to qualify at the same Venue. The 2 were part of the Mbale Pool Club league winning team of last year.
Things could be interesting if they don’t avoid each other on the draws chart. Seasoned Qualifier Ronald Lugolobi is expected to give them the toughest competition.
Sol View – Iganga
For tactical reasons, Uganda Seed no.12 – Patrick Ssekilime walked away from Mukono to qualify from Iganga. He will be a big favorite for the win; given his skill-set.
Two-time Iganga regional winner Kiwanuka George will be his toughest competition; especially if the two are drawn at the same side of the chart.
Veteran League player Albert Mujunga will be competing too; and has what it takes to shock the big two favorites.
The Bourbon – Jinja
Stiff competition is expected as players are too familiar with each other courtesy of the many different times they face off in other competitions.
I however pick out four stand out names; courtesy of their previous achievement and current form. Mugabo Eric; a key member of the Ronz 2016 league winning team stands tallest.
Arafat “Assasin” Galuganda is expected to provide the best competition to him. Akwi Eric has of late emerged as one of the best players in the district too.
Veteran player Wasswa Peace will also have an outside chance to return to the Red carpet.
Da Place- Tororo
Tororo will round up the weekend’s mini qualification with the best participants from neighboring Malaba, Busia and Tororo itself.
As long as the draw can favor them, League players Bruce Abahairwe and Steven Orena will be favorites to qualify for the Finals.
The Grand Finale will take place on November 11th, 2023 at the MTN Indoor Arena in Lugogo, Kampala.
On top of qualification, the regional winner will receive a Ush100,000 cash prize and Ush50,000 for the first runner up.
Courtesy Photos
