By Peter Kyobe
Upper Volta stormed to a commanding 17-3 victory over Corporate Shooters in their final match of the 2024-25 Nile Special National Pool League season, confirming their second-place finish with style.
The one-sided contest, streamed live by NBS Sport from Were Beri Pool Arena in Kireka, started with a surprise as Corporate Shooters’ Henry Nalyanga edged out Mustapha Bwire in the first frame. But that was as good as it got for the hosts.
Upper Volta responded with brutal precision. Star names Rashid Wagaba, Yudah Ssembuusi, and Caesar Chandiga — widely seen as Uganda’s top player — led a seven-frame sweep that left Corporate Shooters trailing 7-1. Although Darius Ndamukunda briefly stopped the rot, Ssembuusi restored order immediately to take the first half to 8-2.
After the break, the visitors hit another gear. Chandiga and Joseph Rwotokonya each completed Break and Finish victories on parallel tables, pushing the score to 10-2. Rashid Wagaba then extended the lead, and despite a late frame from Gregory Ogeni, the result was well beyond doubt by 12-3.
Upper Volta closed in emphatic fashion, winning all five final frames. National champion Bwanika Mansoor came off the bench and added his name to the scoreboard, replacing Bwire and helping seal one of Upper Volta’s most dominant performances of the year.
The match was preceded by a moment of silence for the late Maxwell Mugude Kuwembula, former LC5 chairman of Kamuli District and part of the Rox Berry Pool Club management. His passing earlier in the week led to the postponement of league champions Rox Berry’s final fixture against Club 408. That match will now take place on June 22, followed by the league’s official trophy ceremony.
With just one fixture remaining, the 2024-25 league season is all but wrapped. Upper Volta will finish runners-up, while Rox Berry have already clinched the title.
