Story by Mthokozisi Dube
UGANDA’S Rujia Naiga emerged victorious in the ladies contest, while South Africa’s Aden Joseph dominated the men at the just-ended Queens International Pool Tournament held in Bulawayo.
The Queens Pool Club in Bulawayo provided a perfect setting for African champions to shine in a move aimed at shedding off the beer hall sport tag associated with the sport.
From the nine participating countries, the hunt for bragging rights was in store as the athletes gave their all in the four-day tournament.
The men’s contest had a huge subscription of 128 entries, while the ladies category had 32 players battling for the coveted African championship.
South Africa’s Aden Joseph wrestled the crown from Ugandan holder Ceaser Chandinga, while Rukia Naiga landed bragging rights in the ladies’ contest after adapting to the local pool tables.
“It feels great to win this one. It was not a coincidence that I am the champion, seeing there were a lot of good players in the tournament. I started badly due to the difference in pool tables in Uganda and here, but I adapted well,” Naiga said.
South Africa’s nine-time champions, Wetsi Morake was part of the completion but managed third position.
“I am one of the pioneers of travelling with the sport but have missed some editions owing to health reasons but will take a third-place finish. This tournament showed signs of growing the sport. We want more transnational companies to come on board and support the sport,” Maroke noted.
Two more countries Kenya and Tanzania came on board for the annual tournament and organiser Archie Scholtz says the future of the sport is bright in Africa.
“It is not easy to bring different nations for this big tournament. Obviously, they are lessons learnt but we were happy to see sport uniting people.”
Zimbabwean player, Dian Kabasa settled for silver in the ladies contest.
Winners of the Queens International Pool tournament went home with US$3500 each.
