It came down to one ball—the black. After four games of contrasting fortunes, Sharon Oyenyboth and Maria Namatovu needed just one decisive pot to settle a thrilling Corporate Sports Network (CSN) Pool Championship final at Hotel Africana last year.
Defending champion Oyenyboth (Hotel Africana) looked to have the title within reach after winning the opening game. But Namatovu (Mogo Loans) hit back, taking the next two to move within a game of victory.
With Namatovu leading 2-1, the fourth game appeared almost over. Namatovu had only the black left, sitting dangerously close to the corner pocket, while Oyenyboth still had five reds to clear. Then came the comeback.
Oyenyboth had to show both skill and restraint—clearing her reds without accidentally touching the black or leaving it exposed for Namatovu. She did exactly that, potting the reds one after another to level the match and send the final into a decider.
The Hotel Africana crowd erupted. The defending champion had been given another chance.
But the final game produced another twist. Namatovu cleared her balls quickly, leaving only the black, while Oyenyboth still had four on the table. The title appeared to be slipping away from the defending champion.
Then came the moment of truth. From a tight angle, Namatovu sliced the black into the corner pocket, triggering wild celebrations from the Mogo Loans camp.
Namatovu’s victory not only ended Oyenyboth’s title defence but also lifted Mogo Loans into the CSN pool elite, sending the financial institution to the high table alongside the established giants such as Hotel Africana. With Mogo Loans not participating this year, Hotel Africana’s manager James Baker is confident that the game is theirs to lose.
“We have done enough practice this year. Our players, both men and women, are tactically switched on to ignore the noise. I am confident of bagging medals in both the men’s and women’s games. Just be there on Sunday to watch the magic unfold,” he told the website.
Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Uganda’s manager, Charles Kivumbi, was in an equally bullish mood. Fresh from winning the pool table gold at the Annual Bankers’ Sports Gala 2026 indoor games held at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, he is confident that his male participants will replicate that form.
“In the men’s category, I am sure of gold. For the women, I will not say much, but they too can spring a surprise. Just be there at Hotel Africana to watch us pull off our magic,” he said.
