Uganda’s Chandiga wins Africa’s Billiards Café Double Life crown in Zambia
One of the most nerve-shredding moments came early when Chandiga was forced to battle his national teammate and close friend, Wagaba, better known as “Dog City.”
Ceasar Chandiga (left) receiving his trophy. Courtesy photo
In a dramatic four-day showdown defined by tension, talent, tactical brilliance, and precision, Uganda’s Ceasar Chandiga, famously known as “The Scorpion”, rose above Africa’s elite to capture the coveted Africa Billiards Café Classic Double Life Championship in Zambia, along with the tournament’s top cash prize.
Uganda fielded one of the deepest squads in the competition, featuring sharpshooters Rashid Wagaba, Joseph Kasozi, Ian Kazibwe, Geoffrey Ssetumba, Denis Ongom, Uthman Bukenya, and 14-year-old prodigy Herbert Mukisa.
One of the most nerve-shredding moments came early when Chandiga was forced to battle his national teammate and close friend, Wagaba, better known as “Dog City.” The two cue masters traded frame after frame until they reached a razor-thin 9–9 deadlock. In the decisive final frame, Chandiga’s precision proved decisive as he eliminated his captain to advance.
The tournament also delivered one of its most heart-stirring subplots when 14-year-old Mukisa, nicknamed “The Young Scorpion,” faced South Africa’s powerhouse Jerry Naido, “The Green Machine,” in the round of 16. Mukisa’s presence alone brought the arena to a standstill, with players pausing their own matches to witness the continent’s youngest rising star.
Despite a fearless performance, the teenager bowed out 9–7 as Naido’s experience ultimately prevailed.
Chandiga’s march to the title included commanding victories, such as an 11–6 win over Malawi’s Greiven Standford Ginte in the First Life Final and a 9–4 triumph over Zambia’s Royd Kabwe, fresh off his CueMasters Championship success in Tanzania.
His path, however, was not without setbacks. In the Second Life quarterfinals, Chandiga suffered a narrow 11–9 loss to Naido, forcing him to claw his way back through the First Life bracket. Steeled by pressure, he battled into the championship match for a highly anticipated rematch with “The Green Machine.”
Giants Collide in the Final
The grand finale, a race to 13, opened with fireworks. Chandiga delivered a clinical break-and-finish in the opening frame, drawing roars from his Zambian supporters. Naido responded with his own break-and-finish, edging ahead 2–1 and later 4–3 after a perfectly executed red-apple break.
From that point, “The Scorpion” began to dance with the table. His cue ball movement—smooth, calculated, almost poetic—shifted the momentum entirely. After Naido missed a crucial black in the eighth frame, Chandiga seized control, sweeping through the racks to build a 9–4 lead.
Naido managed one more frame to narrow the margin to 9–5, but Chandiga was already locked in. Unleashing what fans now call his “beast mode,” he stormed through the final four frames with ruthless precision to seal a resounding 13–5 victory.
As the final black disappeared into the pocket, the arena erupted. Fans rose to their feet, chanting: “Ceasar man! Ceasar man! The Scorpion that stings!” Chandiga hoisted the diamond trophy amid thunderous cheers from Ugandan supporters and newly converted Zambian fans.
Along with the title, he pocketed USD 4,000 and etched his name into the history books of the Billiards Café Classic Double Life Championship. Naido finished runner-up, Kabwe took third place, and Ginte claimed fourth—an elite quartet widely regarded as some of the finest cue artists on the continent.
Chandiga and Naido, long-time rivals and friends, have now met 17 times across competitions in South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, adding yet another chapter to one of Africa’s most compelling billiards rivalries.