The road to royalty gets hotter this weekend as the second outing of the Pool King and Queen Championship qualifiers heads to five regions.
Aspiring champions will battle it out for a shot at glory in Masaka (Buganda), Entebbe (Central), Kasese (Western), Kitgum (Northern), and finally, Mbale (Eastern).
The final qualifying round of the 2024 edition will happen next weekend at Upper Volta in Kampala, the Capital City of Uganda.
The ultimate showdown for the coveted King and Queen titles will then unfold on June 21-22 at Paradise Spot in Jinja found in the Eastern region across River Nile.
Masaka: Ssenyonjo faces challenge
Masaka’s star player Glorious Ssenyonjo is the favourite to qualify from the Greater Masaka regional qualifiers happening at Cloud 9 in Nakayiba.
The national team player’s journey to the final four representing Greater Masaka at the Jinja finals won’t be easy. Fred Muweesi, who is on a hot streak, will be a tough opponent.
Timothy “Boika” Lutaaya will also be looking to make amends for missing last year’s National Open. Other key players are; Ibra Luyinda “Coco Nut,” the secretary of the Greater Masaka Association, and coach-player Hakim Kato.
The women’s field is smaller, with only eight players confirmed compared to over 40 men. Pool Cranes player Rose Namugerwa is the favorite, but newcomer Alicia Posh could cause an upset.
Low numbers in Kasese
Kasese’s build-up to the regional qualifiers has been slow with only 20 men and 6 women confirmed to participate by press time.
However, Kenneth Turyatunga, the regional coordinator, remains optimistic that registrations will pick up before tomorrow’s draws at Jam Lounge.
A familiar face, Fazil Turinawe, has opted to compete in his home region this year. The Tooro League player will be a strong contender, facing off against Naboth Balyamushanga, a player with experience in both the Tooro League and the host venue, Jam Lounge.
Also, local favourite Paul Omuna, known for consistently reaching the money brackets in tournaments, is also in the mix. Hassan Shafik, last year’s Nile qualifiers runner-up, adds another layer of competition to the men’s field.
On the women’s side, Annet Komuhendo stands out for her experience competing against men.
Excitement in Mbale, 66 players registered
Mbale qualifiers boast expanded field. Mbale, a renowned sports centre in eastern Uganda, is taking its pool scene to a new level.
Excitement is brewing according to regional coordinator John Bosco Kibet. Players from neighbouring Soroti, Tororo, Jinja, Kumi and Kapchorwa have joined the competition that will be hosted at Oak Bar this weekend.
While the men’s field boasts around 50 confirmed participants, the women’s side sits at 16 with more entries expected before draws.
Kibet acknowledges a strong interest in pool among local women, but tournament experience seems to be the hurdle.
All eyes will be on two ladies; Masitullah Nalumu and Anita Nabwire, known for holding their own against men in open challenges.
The men’s competition promises to be intense. Rashid Wanade is the crowd favourite.
Wanade has dominated most Mbale tournaments but faces a strong challenge from Mbale Pool Club’s veteran player Abdu Mafabi.
Bruce Kakiga from Tororo is another major threat. While a star in money challenges, consistency will be key for Kakiga if he wants to dethrone Mbale’s dominance.
Kitgum: Strong contenders promise excitement
Despite a slow build-up, the upcoming Kitgum qualifiers at Icon Lounge are shaping up to be a lively event.
Tyson Samuel Akera, the regional coordinator, reports 13 women and an expected 32 men ready to compete. Highly-rated Esther Lagum, a local tournament champion, is a frontrunner.
Tracy Scovia Auma, who represented Kitgum last year in the Nile Special National Open, will be looking to join the finalists in Jinja. Susan Ayaa Safira, a Town Clerk secretary and Gulu University student, will spice up competition.
The men’s field promises intense competition with 16 strong contenders. Veteran Jimmy Okello, a former Lugogo quarterfinalist, leads the charge.
A potential upset awaits with 14-year-old Joseph Rwot Okonya (Dogo) entering the fray. However, Okonya will face seasoned players like Moses Omara’s twin brother Samuel Ogenrwoth.
Omara delivered a surprise last year by eliminating Ibrahim Sejjemba from the National Open finals.
Last year’s National Open representative, Wilfred Wokorach, and Ivan “Rabadaba” Opwonya, who opted for Kitgum after missing Gulu qualifiers, round out the strong men’s field.
Courtesy Photos
