PAU: Talent Identification, Management among Trubish’s Focus Areas in the Next Four Years

Last updated Feb 7, 2024

At the end of January, 2024, the Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) held mandatory elections of every after four years and Bob Trubish was re-elected to steer the association for other four years.

Bob is now working with this executive committee; James Mwere (Vice Chairman), Paul Wasike (General Secretary), Deborah Ibenu (Women Affairs), Pius Akampa (Schools and Institutions), Peter Male (Treasurer), Donald Ampumuza (Technical) and veteran journalist George Katongole as the public relations officer and they held their first exco meeting on Tuesday this week to set the direction they are to take for the next four years.

Trubish in company of his vice, James Mwere addressed media on Wednesday at Nob View Hotel Ntinda and highlighted the key focus areas.

Media covering Bob Trubish’s first presser at Nob View Hotel | photo credit Kayiira Jackson

According to Trubish, PAU will put focus mainly on six areas of; Talent Identification and Management, sponsorships & partnerships, turning in federation, infrastructure & sustainability, brand building and increase on competitions.

With Talent identification and management, PAU is looking expanding their base to primary school, secondary ans Universities.

The recent success of Kenneth Odong, the U23 champion at the Hawley Cup in South Africa, demonstrates the potential of Uganda’s youth in the sport.

Bob Trubish, PAU chairperson addressing media at Nob View Hotel Ntinda | photo credit Kayiira Jackson

“There is tremendous talent in Uganda’s youth. By fostering interest in pool at an early age through schools and university programs, we can cultivate this talent and support these players as they progress to compete at the highest levels,” said Trubish.

For the first time, Pool was among the recognized sports disciplines in the just concluded Inter-University games held at UCU Mukono Main Campus.

The new Sports law/act passed by the 11th Parliament in 2023 demands Sports administrators have their disciplines to be covering at least 75% of the country. Basing on that, PAU is targeting by 2025 to be a federation and sit directly in the requirements of the law.

Trubish Bob (right) with his vice, James Mwere

“The journey to become a federation, covering regional bodies should be implemented with a clear roadmap by 2025. Currently, the constitution is undergoing amendments to align with the new Sports Act 2023,” Trubish highlighted.

In the public eye, the biggest percentage takes pool as a leisure and a bar sport but the association wants to improve it’s brand especially while using social media, and mainstream.

Trubish noted; “Pool is an exciting sport that deserves more attention. Through this campaign, we want to capture the interest of audiences who may not yet appreciate its entertainment value. By raising the sport’s profile, we hope to attract new players, fans, and sponsors.”

“A whole new audience is ready to discover pool if we can reach them. With more fans and players, pool in Uganda will continue to develop and compete on the world stage.”.