Uganda’s top pool players, Rashidah Mutesi and Ibrahim Kayanja, will represent the country at the prestigious Heyball Champion of Champions tournament, set for October 3–6 at the Central Coast Leagues Club in Gosford, Australia.
The global event, organized by Joy Billiards and sanctioned by the World Pool Association, brings together national champions from across the world.
Mutesi and Kayanja secured their slots after winning the national round-robin qualifiers, earning two of Africa’s 16 places.
Head coach Nathan Bwankosya expressed confidence in the pair despite limited preparation and the absence of experienced Heyball player Caesar Chandiga.
“We’ve had little time to prepare, but we have a good team. Even without Chandiga, we have strong players,” he said.
Heyball also called Chinese 8-Ball, blends elements of American Pool, Blackball, and Snooker. It’s played on large 9-foot tables with tight pockets, demanding more precision than the smaller Blackball tables common in Uganda.
Though relatively new to the international Heyball scene, Kayanja’s regular practice on Uganda’s only Heyball table in Bwaise could be a key advantage.
“These are Uganda’s best,” said Pool Association of Uganda Tournament Secretary, Donald Ampumuza.
The tournament will feature 64 men and 64 women in a knockout format. Men will play to 7 racks (or 100 minutes), women to 6 (or 100 minutes), with a total prize pool of $400,000 (Shs1.4 billion). Winners take home $30,000 (Shs107 million).
After Australia, attention will shift to the Ultimate African Pool Championship in West Cape, South Africa, from October 13–18, another opportunity for Uganda to shine on the continental stage.
