Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
THE stage is set for a thrilling edition of the Queens International 2026 tournament, with top female and masters pool players from across Southern Africa expected to battle for supremacy from Saturday to Monday next week in what promises to be a high-octane showcase of cue sport excellence.
The prestigious tournament has already attracted a strong field from Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Kenya, underlining the growing regional appeal of the competition.
In the ladies category, Zimbabwean stars will have their hands full against seasoned regional campaigners as the competition adopts a “first come, first served” registration format.
Among the headline acts are Zimbabwe’s Sandra Khumalo, Charmaine Adams, Angeline Muzopambwa and Prisca Mujakachi, who are all expected to carry the host nation’s hopes.
South Africa will bank on experienced campaigners Tsholofelo Dipudi and Makgamatha Salome, popularly known as “Mama-Africa”, while Zambia’s Mercy Phiri and Judith Phiri are also tipped to make a huge impact.
Botswana has entered a sizeable delegation featuring players such as Kiss Kiss, Katlego, Rashid, Tsetse, Gaone, Dudu, Lasty, Killer D, Lady Terminator and Tebogo Khotso signalling their intent to dominate proceedings.
Kenya’s Beblyne Jelagat and Patricia Keruche add further continental flavour to the women’s competition, which has drawn more than 40 participants.
The Masters Category is also shaping up to be fiercely competitive, with several respected veterans and accomplished cueists confirming participation.
Zimbabwean pool stalwarts Prosper Marava, Lindani Gumpo, Owen Matarirano, Norman Moyo, Dennis Marume and Courage Mubaiwa are among the notable names already registered.
Regional competition will come from Zambia’s Victor Sinyiza and South African duo Mzamo Ntlaninge and Mahir Daniels.
Tournament organisers believe the competition will continue strengthening regional ties while giving female and veteran players a vital platform to showcase their talent on the international stage.
With entries still open in the Masters division, organisers expect the field to swell before the tournament breaks off later this week.
The Queens International has rapidly become one of the most anticipated cue sports events on the regional calendar, blending elite competition, regional rivalry and entertainment into one exciting spectacle.
-@FungaiMuderere
Bongani Moyo