Squash hits turf as wrangles take over the sport

Dec 29, 2014

Over the years, Uganda Squash and Rackets Association (USRA) has been riding high on the local scene as one of the most organised associations in the country.

By Samson Opus

Over the years, Uganda Squash and Rackets Association (USRA) has been riding high on the local scene as one of the most organised associations in the country.


However, that was not the case in the 2014 season. USRA nearly hit abyss after registering nearly zero marks in terms of local competitions.

Amidst reports of intrigue in the management of the local squash body, USRA had only the Chairman’s Cup, an event exclusively meant for members of Kampala Club, on their calendar.

Some of the other established tournaments including the Castle Lite Open failed to take off due to lack of sponsorship.

Delay to hold an elective assembly by the John Bosco Tamwesigire-led executive for over four months may further complicate the situation for USRA.

Despite, the challenges, however, some Ugandan players registered a mark on the international scene.

Top among the few stars who stood the test of bad times is top seed Michael Kawooya.

Kawooya and company were able to venture on the international scene through the generous contributions of members of Kampala Club.

Kawooya loses by a whisker


The 26-year-old player led Team Uganda in the Kenya Open recently where the Ugandan five-man delegation was voted the best performing team.

Team Uganda displayed the abundant talent as three of the five players on the team, including Kawooya, Ian Rukunya and Paul Kadoma breezed into the quarterfinals of the international event in Nairobi.

Kawooya went furthest to the very final where he lost to eventual champion Waqas Mehboob of Pakistan.

Inspite of lack of competition, Kawooya proved his worth with a silver medal finish. That feat was complemented by Lawrence Matovu who bagged victory in the Plate event.

Top seed in lone battle

But it was Kawooya who carried the Ugandan flag high on the international scene.

The local top seed also ventured into the Fitlink Open in Belgium where he lost in the second round to Netherlands seed two, Rick Penders.

The world ranking tournament drew players from England, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Russia, Scotland, Netherland, Poland, Ukraine, Syria and Finland.

Kawooya also featured in the Commonwealth Games 2014 Glassgow, winning four matches and losing two. He was also in the Johannesburg Grand Prix Squash Open in South Africa where he finished 14th out of the top 16 men in main draw.

In the St. Petersburg Cup 2014 International Squash tournament in Russia, Kawooya finished fifth out of the top 16 players in the elite draw before heading for the Kenya Open.

As the sun sets down on year 2014, Kawooya is already making plans for the 2015 season. He is already soliciting for funds for another shot at the FitLink Open in Hasslet City, Belgium.

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