Eldoret, Kenya — In a stunning twist that defied all pre-tournament predictions, Zimbabwe’s Escha Chimbwanda emerged as the unlikely hero of the inaugural TIMBA-XO International Pool Tournament, held at the buzzing TIMBA-XO Club in Eldoret City from May 21–25, 2025.
With 220 top-tier competitors from eight nations, including Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, South Sudan, and even the UK, this high-stakes, high-drama event was set to showcase the very best in African and international pool. But few could have imagined the seismic shake-up that followed.
Household names, including South Africa’s Eden Joseph, dubbed the “African God of Pool,” and Jeremiah Green Naidoo, aka “Jerry Ganda Ganda” , were eliminated early, in what fans have described as one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent memory.
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sehold names like Uganda’s Ceasar Chandiga “The Scorpion,” Joseph Kasozi “The Sharpshooter,” Ibrahim Ssejjemba “Mayweather,” and Ibrahim Kayanja “The Real Machine”, all fell unexpectedly, taken down by newer, lesser-known underdog players who came armed with strategy, grit, and nothing to lose.
“These young guys weren’t here to be polite,” said one observer. “They knew exactly what letting the pros into the later stages would mean, a guaranteed loss. So they played tight, tactical snooker. No easy whites. No room to breathe.”
Indeed, while many predicted a final featuring giants like Eden, Naidoo, Chandiga, or Kasozi, it was instead Zimbabwe’s Chimbwanda and Malawi’s Grieven Ginte who rose above the carnage to claim their spots in the championship match, in Eldoret.
The Final: Grit vs. Flair
From the opening break, Chimbwanda dictated the tempo. Cool, deliberate, and laser-focused, he jumped to a 3–0 lead before Ginte. Known for his flamboyant, fast-paced play, Ginte clawed his way back to lead 5–4. The tables had turned. Or so it seemed. Everyone knew it was a win for Ginte.
Recognizing he couldn’t match Ginte’s speed, Chimbwanda slowed the game, neutralizing his opponent’s rhythm. Frame by frame, he regained control, executing pinpoint positional shots and masterful safety plays to inch ahead. When Ginte conceded at 8–6 in the race to nine, Chimbwanda stood tall, the champion of Africa’s newest, and perhaps boldest, cue competition.
He walked away with the trophy and a life-changing KSh 1.5 million purse.
Tanzania’s Issaya Paulo finished strong in third place, outclassing Uganda’s Mark Mukiibi in the playoff, while Kenya’s women made a powerful statement in the national division.
A New Era for African Pool
The TIMBA-XO tournament has not only shattered expectations but also signaled the rise of a new generation of talent unafraid to take on, and topple the old guard. With the likes of Chimbwanda now in the spotlight, the future of African pool looks more unpredictable, competitive, and thrilling than ever.
A star is born: Uganda’s 14-year-old
One of the tournament’s most heartwarming and inspiring stories came not from the final, but from the youngest entrant: Uganda’s 14-year-old rising star Herbert Mukiisa. The teenage sensation turned heads and earned standing ovations as he fearlessly challenged veteran players, showcasing maturity, precision, and mental toughness far beyond his years.
While Mukiisa didn’t reach the final rounds, his talent was unmistakable, enough to earn him a scholarship from the tournament organizers, ensuring his continued development both in academics and the sport. His performance was a clear signal that the future of African pool is already stepping up to the table.
