The East African Gazette
Kampala
Undoubtedly, Caesar Chandiga stands tall as Uganda’s cherished giant and the true embodiment of a scorpion.
His unwavering popularity was reaffirmed in a thrilling money match against Mansoor Bwanika, who holds the prestigious second seed ranking bestowed by the National Pool Association of Uganda (NPAU). As the reigning number one seed in the country, Chandiga’s dominance and adoration remain unparalleled.
The intense match lasted for approximately four hours, with a race to 21. Bwanika was given a head start of +6, meaning he only needed to win 15 consecutive games while his opponent, Chandiga, had to win all 21 games.
Last week, Bwanika emerged victorious against Chandiga in a similarly heated match, also racing to 21.
Prior to that, Bwanika had defeated another pool king, Ibrahim Ssejjemba, and walked away with a prize of over $1200.
This marked Chandiga’s first loss in a money match against a Ugandan player.
However, despite Bwanika’s win, many of Chandiga’s fans worldwide remained unconvinced and demanded a rematch between the two pool kings. As a result, the management of both players agreed to organize a re-battle.
The rematch took place at Climax Bar and Lounge in Makindye, located in the City Centre of Kampala. This venue is managed by Bwanika’s team and serves as his home training ground, while Chandiga is managed by Team the Scorpion.
The entrance fee for spectators was $3, equivalent to approximately 9000 Ugandan Shillings. The venue was filled to capacity, leading the organizers to block further entry. Those unable to attend were advised to follow the live streams on the Youtube Channel.
The match was officiated by Faridah Hadija Nakiride, an empire from the Pool Association of Uganda.
Chandiga made the first break and finished with a single visit, earning cheers from his devoted fans and bringing the score to 1:6, and Bwanika responded equally in the second frame making 7:1.
In the third frame, Chandiga once again made a break and finish, securing his second win within the first 13 minutes.
They charged forward, and tied on the 20th game.
Now, it was time for the ultimate showdown in the 21st game. Chandiga made the break but failed to sink any ball, granting an opportunity for his opponent Bwanika to seize control of the table.
However, along the way, Bwanika also missed to pot his second ball, giving Chandiga another chance.
Chandiga displayed his lethal skills in this intricate and tense game, ultimately emerging victorious, with Bwanika conceding defeat before Chandiga could pocket the final blackball.
Among the spectators present at the venue was Bwanika’s mother, offering her unwavering support to her son. Additionally, esteemed pool players like Rasheeda Mutesi (the top-ranked female player), Ibrahim Kayanja, Sula Matovu, and Ibrahim Sejjemba among others were also in attendance.
They all witnessed this thrilling battle between two giants of the game, showcasing their world-class talent in the realm of pool.
Who is Caesar?
He was born in West Nile, Moyo district, but grew up in Lira town, where he developed his skills as a young pool player. After reaching the age of eligibility in 2017, he ventured into the world of pool and surprisingly qualified for the national pool open championship. Although he made it to the second round, he unfortunately lost to another player.
In 2018, the Gulu pool fraternity recognized his potential and took him under their wing, providing him with support and guidance.
He joined Dana Gardens in Gulu before eventually moving to Kampala, where he was signed by CKI Club, a prominent team in the National Pool League of Uganda.
His talent and dedication led him to participate in the prestigious Temiseo League, a competition featuring the top 20 Ugandan men. Against all odds, he emerged as the champion, earning him the opportunity to compete in major tournaments.
He then traveled to Zambia to take part in the East and Central African Pool Championship, where he showcased his skills by defeating several top players and reaching the third round.
Impressed by his performance, Sharks Pool Club Zambia signed him for a one-and-a-half-year contract. During his time in Zambia, he dominated the pool scene, winning 23 weekly competitions, in-house tournaments, and even the Easter Zambia Cup in 2020.
He returned to Uganda at the end of 2022 and has since continued his winning streak, triumphing in 25 pool competitions, including weekly contests, in-house tournaments, money matches, and the prestigious Nile Special National Open Pool Championship in 2023.
His success extended beyond Uganda’s borders, as he also emerged victorious in the double elimination competition organized by Queens Sports Club in Zambia.
As of now, Caesar holds the esteemed title of being the country’s number one ranked pool player.
Who is Bwanika?
His breakthrough came in 2018 when he qualified for the National Grand Finale of the South Western district of Ntungamo, propelling him into the spotlight.
Displaying remarkable talent and determination, he emerged victorious in the final, triumphing over the renowned player, Simon Lubulwa. Building on his success, he went on to secure victories in the Kampala Open and five other competitions organized by the Pool Association of Uganda.
Notably, he defended his title in the Kampala Open in 2020 and continued his winning streak by claiming the grand open championship in 2020, the King of the Table Championship in 2021, and the end of year championship.
Leave a Reply