Pool Cranes off for Blackball International Hawley Cup after missing Africa championship due to visas

Rita Nimusiima (L) and Rashidah Mutesi will represent Uganda at the Hawley Cup in South Africa

POOL Pool Cranes off for Blackball International Hawley Cup after missing Africa championship due to visas

Fred Mwambu • 06:03 - 17.10.2023

The team was initially scheduled to fly out last week to play the All Africa Pool Association Championships, but the delay in visas forced them to forego the tournament.

The Uganda Pool Cranes team has finally set off to Johannesburg, South Africa, for the Blackball International Hawley Cup after overcoming the visa glitches.

The team was initially scheduled to fly out last week to play the All Africa Pool Association Championships, but the delay in visas forced them to forego the tournament.

However, the team has now set off after the intervention of the sports ministry through the State Minister of Sports, Peter Ogwang.

“… the Uganda National Team, the Pool Cranes, are set to fly out to South Africa to participate in the Hawley Cup, an international championship of the best pool-playing nations of the world,” Pool Association of Uganda publicist Peter Kyobe confirmed in a press release.

The team, comprising eight male and female players, respectively and four officials, flew out at 3 AM aboard a Kenya Airlines flight and are expected to land at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 11 AM on Tuesday.

Focused

The team captain Habib Ssebuguzi reassures that the team has overcome the challenges and is ready to put up a fight in this tournament.

"Despite the delayed travel, our spirits are not broken. Our minds are focused on the mission. Nothing short of gold will do", says team Captain Habib Ssebuguzi.

Some of the notable members of the team include captain Habib Ssebuguzi, Mansoor ‘Muto’ Bwanika, Caesar Chandiga and Ibrahim Sejjemba.

The ladies have Sheilla Ankah, Rita Nimusiima and the famous sisters Rukia Naiga and Rasheeda Mutesi.

Uganda will be the last team to arrive at the famous Grand Monte Casino Hotel, where the games will take place.

About Hawley Cup

The Hawley Cup is being hosted for the first time in Africa, where African countries are present. This was done to cut costs and allow top African players who were participating in the AAPA Championship to compete at minimal costs.

Blackball International announced in 2019 the intention of holding a new International event called 'The Hawley Cup'.

The event, which has been named in honour of Peter Hawley, whose contribution to the sport of pool was immeasurable, will launch in October.

Hawley was the President of the South African Pool Union (SAPU) and he was the founder member and President of the All Africa Pool Association (AAPA).

He became Vice President of the World Pool Association and an Executive member of the World Confederation of Billiard Sports (WCBS).

Hawley was the founder and pioneer of the sport of blackball pool, the main reason Blackball International awarded the inaugural event to South Africa.

Uganda Pool Cranes delegation for Hawley Cup;

Men - Habib Ssebuguzi (C), Simon Lubulwa, Ian Kazibwe, Mansoor Bwanika, Caesar Chandiga, Ibrahim Sejjemba, Kenneth Odong, Joseph Kasozi

Ladies - Faith Nganda (C), Rukia Naiga, Rasheeda Mutesi, Rita Nimusiima, Zaimati Nabafu, Rose Namugerwa, Marion Kisakye & Sharon Mirembe Officials - David Mugabi (Head of Delegation), Ismail Kalibbala (Tournament Secretary and Technical Head) & Peter Kyobe (Public Relations Officer)

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