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Capital Night, Shooters, Sinkers in peril
Greater Mukono's Allan Kayiwa in action. His fourth-placed team is determined to secure a bonus-point win against E-Play to solidify their position. PHOTOS/GEORGE KATONGOLE
What you need to know:
Corporate Shooters are reeling, a string of losses casting a long shadow over their season. Following defeats to Sinkers in a Kireka derby and a home loss against E-Play, they now face a daunting task: overcoming league leaders Roxberry in Kiwanga. The first leg's narrow 11-9 loss to Roxberry leaves them with a hill to climb, and redemption feels further away than ever.
Roxberry, Scrap Buyers and Upper Volta have emerged as the clear frontrunners in Nile Special National Pool League, boasting substantial leads ahead of Sunday's second round matches. The stage is set to see if they can maintain their momentum, or if upsets are on the horizon this weekend.
Corporate Shooters are reeling, a string of losses casting a long shadow over their season. Following defeats to Sinkers in a Kireka derby and a home loss against E-Play, they now face a daunting task: overcoming league leaders Roxberry in Kiwanga. The first leg's narrow 11-9 loss to Roxberry leaves them with a hill to climb, and redemption feels further away than ever.
Gregory Ogeni, captain of Corporate Shooters, expressed the team's desperate need for a change in fortunes after Sunday's match.
“We're at a point where winning is no longer an option, it's a necessity. We're failing to convert our chances and leaving gaps for our opponents," he said.
Corporate Shooters are plagued by both offensive and defensive lapses, according to Ogeni.
Ogeni said they've had some 'bad runs' but need to win the games they can. However, he knows facing Roxberry, who are gunning for the league title, will not be one of those 'easy wins'.
Roxberry captain Ibra Ssejjemba expressed his optimism, saying: "We're looking to maintain our winning rhythm. Our players are performing exceptionally well, and we're determined to secure points against Corporate Shooters." Roxberry leads the league with 71 points, six clear of Upper Volta.
Upper Volta, who earned a bonus point win over Sinkers in the first round, face them again. With the league nearing its end, bonus points will be vital in the title race.
Upper Volta captain Mustapha Bwire exuded a blend of confidence and caution.
"We're taking nothing for granted. The team's morale is high, and we're aiming for maximum points," Bwire said. Even with the continued absence of National Champion Mansoor Bwanika, Upper Volta's depth and ambition remain evident.
Raphael Musimbi of Kireka in league action. His performance will be crucial as Kireka seeks to overturn their first-leg deficit against Mbale.
Fading title hopes
Scrap Buyers, clinging to their fading title hopes, face a dangerous banana skin clash against the unpredictable Capital Night in Nabweru. With their title dreams on the line, this is a must-win game.
The race for fourth place intensifies as Greater Mukono and Pot It, locked in a tight battle, host E-Play and Tororo, respectively. Greater Mukono's commanding 15-5 first-leg victory puts E-Play in a precarious position, demanding an exceptional performance at iTaano Arena. Despite the odds, E-Play captain Sam Muhoozi remains confident in his team's ability to turn things around.
"We've brought in reinforcements, and they're integrating seamlessly," Muhoozi said.
Despite Greater Mukono's first-leg victory, E-Play will be looking to capitalise on their strengthened lineup.
Meanwhile, in the televised clash, Kireka aims to overturn an 11-9 deficit against Mbale at Home Base.
"We're determined to secure maximum points," said Kireka captain Janan Alinga, buoyed by their recent 10-10 draw against Greater Mukono.
Nile Special Pool League
Sunday, 5pm
Roxberry vs C. Shooters, Kiwanga
Kireka vs Mbale, Home Base
Wakiso City vs Adi's, Hash Tag
Club 408 vs Nakawa, Kesse Lounge
Pot It vs Tororo, Najjanankumbi
Capital Night vs Buyers, Nabweru
G. Mukono vs E-Play, iTaano
Sinkers vs Upper Volta, New Victoria
