18/08/2023
*FAHAD AND DOG CITY CLASH AT THE SAME VENUE AS NATIONAL OPEN REGIONAL FEVER CATCHES LADIES.*
The Nile Special National open championship is up and running with regional qualifiers which are the last stage of qualifying before November's Grand finale. So far, 18 men from Eastern Uganda have qualified to join the top 8 seeds. 9 of them are to join the party from 3 Regional qualifying tournaments in Kampala. Meanwhile, the Ladies' qualifiers start this Friday, with regionals and straight qualification at Star Inn- Katosi. Here is a brief on what you can expect this weekend.
*Mango Shade Bar- Busega.*
Definitely one of the toughest qualifying regional centers in the country, especially with the uncertainty of 2-time National champion Fahad Ssewankambo and Rashid "Dog City" Wagaba who is one of the hottest talents in the country today.
Fahad got himself in trouble after falling out of the top 8 seeded players where he belonged for all editions of the event since he became of age. Now he must go through the wrath of qualification and he chose the same mini Qualifying center as Wagaba, hence the same Regional center. Wagaba Rashid (Dog City) is still fresh from a breathtaking performance in which he lifted the VS tournament in Kenya, a 64-man competition of the best players from Kenya and Uganda. He has also been the best competitor against a certain Chandiga Caesar for the past year. If the 2 players are not lucky to be drawn separately, atleast one of them could be guaranteed an early exit. But the tournament will not only be about these 2. A certain Ibrahim Ssewali is in the mix too,with the ability and temperament to knock out both; especially in a race to 4. Meddie Kalanzi with crucial league experience from CKI pool club will be fancying his chances as well; just like Bob Kateregga, and Ronald Waninga. No doubt that we could witness the first major exit from the Competition.
*Casablanca - Wandegeya*
Sinkers Pool club Kingpin Innocent Tumushabe will start as a clear favorite for qualification; courtesy of his previous performance both in the National pool league and other Tournaments. But 2 of his teammates will be out to prove their worth; notably Meddie Mugisha and Player-manager Pecos Rwigyema; famous for eliminating Alfred Gumikiriza in the PAU Grand open '22. However, Innocent will face his toughest competition against Scrap buyers short gun William "Bebe" Mirembe; the most stubborn players in the country who doesn't respect anybody on the green bed. Hotpool veteran Kenneth Kakiiza will have an outside chance as well; especially if he up against any of the favorites.
*Pot It-Najjanankumbi*
Another of the hard venues to qualify from with all players having relatively good ability to compete. I however immediately recognise 18-year old Secondary school student Farouk Mutumba as the favorite for qualification. Not just for his fine league performance with Capital Night pool club, but also his recent Tournament performance in which defending champion Bwanika Mansoor fell prey in a weekly comp in which Farouk narrowly lost to Caesar 7-6. But he will not have it all his way as he faces tough competition from firstly Mahad Mivule; famous for eliminating Ndyagumanawe Amos in the 2014 edition. Veteran player Isaac "Mzee" Lwanga will be in the mix too, with vast experience which propelled him to the National team as a Lumas pool player in 2010.
*Ladies Category: STAR INN- KATOSI*
About 8 players familiar with the venue as routine trainers are expected to try and make a mark for the first time the National scene. They are likely to be surprised by the rumored registration of Julie Namuhanga and Michelle Kyomugisha at the venue. Mukono pool club's Rhoda Nakaweesa being the best player in the district should however start as favorite to qualify. More competition is expected from Serena Ogumoshabe and fast improving Natasha Ndibalekera; famous for her victory over Sandra Ampaire in the PAU Grand open; interesting if Sandra's expected registration at the venue comes through.
May the best man/woman have their day.
