2013 Kampala Open Ladies open pool winner, Ritah Ninsiima has echoed her delight at the fast developing trend the game is taking in the country at the moment.
“Not so long ago, the pool table was looked at as a leisure tool. The game was disguised by many as one for idlers, but I bet if that is what is the ground today”, Ninisiima says in an exclusive interview with Kawowo Sports.
The 20 year old female pool player who turns up for local club Game City in the Ladies Pilsner Pool league of kings sings praises to the Pool Association of Uganda (PAU), the country’s body responsible for all the pool activities (Local competitions, the league and all pool related issues).
“PAU has worked hard to make the pool sport a loved one not only in Kampala, but across the entire country.” a shy looking Ninsiima, now begins to open up.
PAU’s unquestionable organizational abilities have attracted various brands like Nile Special, Pilsner, Pepsi Cola, Skin Samona among others to bring in hefty sponsorship packages
For starters, Nile Special injected into the famous National Nile Special Pool Championships an amazing Ug. Shs 1.71 billion (3 year renewable contract) while the Pilsner beer brand sponsors the National Pool league tagged the ‘Pilsner Pool league of Kings’- which covers the senior league, league one and the ladies version.
“Companies sponsor pool events with billions which is rare for other sports. We also play with Members of Parliament”, Niniisma adds in reference to the Nile Special and Pilsner sponsorships as well as a Pool Playing Member of Parliament, in Hon. Odongo Otto.
Today, Ninsiima, and many female pool players across the country sing praise of the game that many have always looked at as merely a leisure sport.
“I have got many resourceful friends from being a pool player and won lots of money from Pool tournaments”, says Niniisma, who was introduced to Kampala pool life by a close friend, a one Salima Namyalo in 2010.
Since then, the left handed pool Player has never looked back and her stardom as well as market value has rocketed at a lightening pace.
Just this year, Game-City forked deep Ug Shs 350,000 from their coffers to seek for her signature from the Ntinda based club, Rock Catalina.
Niniisma’s life pool story will indeed live to prove that the game usually played in entertainment hubs is a true growing brand among Uganda’s sporting disciplines.
Who is Ninsiima?
Full Names : Ritah Ninsiima
Birth Date: 4th May 1993
Residence: Bukoto
Pools Club Played for : Pioneer (2010) , Hot Catalina (2011-2012) , Game City (Jan 2013 – To date)
Parents: David Mukwenda and Annet Namwanje (Both of Masaka)
Education: Masaka Primary, Mityana Central (O level – 2009)
Debut: January 2010 (At the pool Queen Championships held at Alligators) – lost 2nd round.
Biggest Pool Achievement: Winning Kampala Open (2013).
Best Pool Shot: The Cushion Shot off her sweet left hand
Challenges: Lack of sponsorship to register for individual tournaments
Best Dish: Matooke, Rice, Meat
Drink: Mineral Water, Mountain Dew
On face book: Yes
Twitter Account: No
