By 
The 2024 Kampala Club Championship Squash tournament climaxed on Saturday as Kenya dominated the finals at Kampala Club.
Dalidi James and Njeri Jane (both from Kenya) were the big winners on the day as they won the men’s and Women’s Championships respectively.
Dalidi edged Uganda’s top seed Kasirye Paul Kadoma in the final with a 3-2 result from five sets something didn’t suprise the revealers.
Despite previously losing 3-2 to the Ugandan in their last meeting, Dalidi came back energized with at most desire to show more progress.
On a day of glad and oozing anticipation, the Kenya top seed won the toss and swang to Racket first to put up an impressive first set which he won 11-5.
However Kadoma, who is known for his atmost mobility and speed to tire his opponents on the court had a strong comeback, winning the second set 11-8.
In this second set, there was a three minute run of play to make the result 8-5, an action that brought the players endurance to light.
Dalidi came back stronger in the third set to burry his game winning it with a Five point margin of 11-7 but Kadoma had other thoughts in the fourth set going on level it with a spectacular performance that left the Kenyan in disbelief after kissing the floor.
Fifth set was the final one and what many labeled the do or die on the evening but Dalidi started it strong with immerse pressure despite his show of tiredness.
Unlike Dalidi, Kadoma looked stronger playing with more energy sending the Kenyan to the floor once again but failing to catch up going on to loss last set 11-5.
After his game, James Dalidi came out to applaud his support and opponent on the day;
“I am happy to have this as a trophy the previous time when I played him (Kadoma) the story was different but this time round I won”
“Humbled for thé standing ovation, and I know I will be back soon for the next edition to fight for my crown” he concluded
In the women, Njeri Jane thrashed 14 year old USA born Myra Muyonjo 3-0 in the final to take her title home.
The experienced Kenyan Squash star, put up a splendid performance to sent the crowd to their feet.
For Myra, the crowd was full of appreciation for the confidence and zeal showed by a 14 year old despite losing all her sets 11-5, 11-2 and 11-8.
For Myra’s twin brother Jason Muyonjo, he featured in the first final of the day which is known as the Plate final.
Jason played who played his heart out lost 3-2 to Sam Mwogeza who started off so well winning two straight sets 11-7, 11-7 and losing the next by a 2 and 3 points margin only to win the last by a Five point gap.
During the awarding ceremony, winners took home trophies and Prize money the highest being James Dalidi who pocketed 1.2 million Ugandan Shillings.
In a chat with Nalongo ( name withheld), a mother to the twins Myra and Jason, he offered a sincere appreciation to the organizers and he children will play for Uganda;
“I would like to thank the organizers of this tournament it’s a good environment for all the young and old”
“Therefore I encourage all the young ones out there to discover themselves slowly and they will eventually turn into what will bring glad to them”
“For example, my children have been playing football and even just turned to Squash and so far the journey hasn’t been easy but one with a lot of promise”
When asked if her children will play for Uganda, she confidently replied ‘YES’
Full List of winners
Winner Men: James Dalidi (Kenya)
Winner Women: Jane Njeri (Kenya)
Runners Up Men: Paul Kasirye Kadoma (Uganda)
Runners Up Women: Myra Muyonjo (USA)
Plate Finalists
Winner: Samuel Mwogeza (Uganda)
Runners Up: Jason Muyonjo (USA)
Semi Finalist Men
1.Mwegamire Jonathan (Uganda)
2.Kyagulanyi Samuel (Uganda)
Semi Finalist Women
1.Musiimenta Elizabeth (Uganda)
2.Mugide Safinah (Uganda)
Quarter Finalist Men
1.Kawooya Micheal
2.Wasswa Ivan
3.Amuri Emmanuel from rwanda
4.Huxley Lusaasi from kenya
