Bulawayo, Zimbabwe — Africa’s top cue artists lit up the Queens International Pool Tournament in Bulawayo, where South Africa’s Aden Joseph and Uganda’s Rukia Naiga emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the continent’s most prestigious pool showdown.
Held at the vibrant Queens Pool Club, the four-day event drew elite players from nine countries, reaffirming the tournament’s growing status as a continental force in professional pool. With 128 entries in the men’s division and 32 in the women’s, the competition was fierce and filled with high-stakes drama.
Changing of the Guard
Aden Joseph’s victory marks a new chapter, as he dethroned defending champion Ceaser Chandinga, who had made headlines last year by defeating South Africa’s famed Jeremiah “Gandaganda” Naidoh.
Eden’s path to glory wasn’t easy, as he faced a deep field of contenders, but his composure and technical mastery ultimately proved decisive.
“It’s an amazing feeling to come out on top in such a stacked tournament,” Eden said. “This was one of the toughest fields I’ve played in.”
Uganda’s Naiga Claims Women’s Crown
Uganda’s Rukia Naiga delivered a standout performance to take home the women’s crown, adapting quickly to Zimbabwe’s table conditions and dominating the field as Uganda’s sole female representative.
“It wasn’t easy at first, but once I found my rhythm, I knew I had a real chance,” Naiga said.
“I had a slow start because the table dynamics here are quite different from those back home,” she explained. “But I adjusted, and winning this title is proof that determination and focus truly pay off.”
Naiga’s victory is a milestone for Ugandan women’s pool and adds to her growing reputation as a formidable force on the continental scene.
Each champion walked away with US$3,500, but the real reward was the legacy built in Bulawayo — a city that continues to transform pool into one of Africa’s rising sporting passions
Ginte: Africa’s New Cue Sensation
One of the tournament’s biggest stories was Malawi’s Grievin “Ginte” Stanford, who made an unforgettable mark on his professional debut.
Ginte stunned the crowd with an electrifying performance, eliminating top-tier players including Zambia’s Kelvin Nkadu, a household name in African pool.
Ginte’s rise culminated in a commanding 9–3 semi-final victory over Zambia’s champion Kelvin Nkandu, earning him a place in the final against the eventual winner, Aden Joseph.
Though he fell just short of the title, his bold and brilliant play has catapulted him into the elite league of African pool legends, joining the likes of Eden, Chandinga, “Gandaganda” Jeremiah Naidoh, Nkandu, and Ibrahim Ssejjemba.
Unlike other tournament, this has two lives, and Ginte is the only one out of over 90 contestants who made the semi-final grade in both divisions.
Beaming with smiles, his manager and sponsor Rodrick Mindress, said “This is just the beginning of something special.”
South Africa’s legendary Wetsi Morake, a nine-time champion and pioneer of international pool travel, secured third place.
“This event is proof that the sport is growing. Now we need corporate sponsors to support this momentum,” he noted.
Newcomers from Kenya and Tanzania made their debut this year, adding to the tournament’s diversity and reach.
The tournament organiser Archie Scholtz praised the spirit of unity and growth the event fostered. “Bringing together athletes from so many nations is no small feat, but it’s worth it when we see the sport bringing people together,” Scholtz said.
Final Results
Men’s Division
- Aden Joseph (South Africa)
- Stanford Grieven “Ginte” (Malawi)
- Wetsi Morake (South Africa)
- Stanford Grieven “Ginte” (Malawi – Dual category finalist)
- Timothy Onida (Zimbabwe), Harry Martin (South Africa), Kelvin Nkandu (Zambia), Ceaser Chandinga (Uganda)
Women’s Division
- Rukia Naiga (Uganda)
- Diana Kabasa (Zimbabwe)
- Nicola Rousseau (South Africa)
- Mariah (Zimbabwe)
- Mercy (Zimbabwe), Rukia (Uganda), Angeline (Zimbabwe)
Masters’ Category
- Lindani (Zimbabwe)
- Henry Mwangi (Kenya)
- Victor Sinyinza (Zambia)
- Macheso (Zimbabwe)
