'Restore the lost glory': Kayanja wants schools at heart of pool revival

Robert 'Pipo' Kayanja has set his sights on bringing schools to the forefront if he is elected chairman of the Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) this Saturday.

Kayanja previously served as vice-president under outgoing chairman Bob Trubish but has decided to contest for the top seat because, in his view, things have not been right for the sport.

"The reason why I have decided to return is to restore the lost glory of the PAU. The way the sport has declined and the loss of activities means the idea is to bring back competitions and concentrate on schools," Kayanja told the New Vision.

Having been involved in the sport for decades, Kayanja recognizes that as long as pool is perceived as a bar sport, it will be difficult to break certain misconceptions surrounding the game.

"We want to bring more schools into the association. The idea is to purchase pool tables and take our players to schools to train students. By allowing our top players to coach, we can create opportunities while taking the sport to students, who will also help grow the game in the future," he said.

This also presents a great opportunity to build a future fan base that will take the sport more seriously than is currently the case. Schools are viewed as melting pots of talent, giving the sport a chance to identify intelligent and willing participants.

"We want to groom people who will eventually join the national team. We want to see a future of well-behaved, disciplined individuals who adhere to the dress code and can confidently express themselves. This is why we want our players and future players to go through schools. I want to change that narrative."

Kayanja also understands that women need greater support to remain in the sport for longer than most have managed to do. At the same time, he wants to empower the regions to manage their own affairs and leagues.

"I have encouraged them and told them that I want to start regional leagues. It is better since we already have our leagues. I want to create national playoffs while encouraging inter-regional competitions to allow grassroots development," said Kayanja.