Africa's top female pool player sets sights on world championships

Rukia Naiga is ranked among the continent's best female pool players. After winning everything local and regional, she now aims to conquer the world.

Transcript

00:00 Did you know that one of the continent's best pool players is a woman from Uganda?

00:04 Some stories stand out as a testament to the power of determination and skill

00:09 My name is Rukia Niger. I admired becoming a champion and I knew that I would become one

00:16 Rukia Niger's journey from a small-town billiard player to Africa's top female athlete in the game is nothing short of extraordinary

00:25 But it takes a journey of self-discovery

00:29 [Music]

00:31 Coming from a humble background and with little education

00:39 I discovered pool as a life changer that would provide everything I needed

00:43 The 25 year old pool player boasts a captivating story marked by triumphs, challenges and

00:52 unwavering passion for the game

00:54 Her journey began in

00:56 2016 when she entered a world of competitive pool playing setting the stage for an awe-inspiring adventure

01:03 One has got to be patient and resilient even when losing

01:10 You don't have to lose hope you've got to keep training

01:16 That time for you to shine will come

01:24 In 2017 Rukia received the invitation to join Uganda's national pool team

01:32 It came as a surprise as this was her toughest year in which she lost two championships

01:37 There are always negative people ignore them and stay focused on your goals

01:43 But Rukia never lost hope instead she made a comeback the following year and catapulted her team to new heights

01:51 At one time I lost many games in those two years of losses I thought about giving up

01:59 At one tournament I convinced myself that if I lost I would quit

02:04 Instead God answered my prayers I won the tournament

02:11 Rukia was pivotal in securing Uganda's first Africa championship

02:18 When you fall you must rise and attempt you don't lose a championship and give up no matter the challenge

02:24 Find a way of moving forward

02:26 Earlier this year Rukia went on to showcase her skills by winning the Holy Cup doubles in South Africa with her sister

02:36 The victory was not just a personal triumph, but also contributed to team Uganda's overall success

02:47 My target is now to win the world championship

02:49 championship

02:51 As she sets her sights on the world championship Rukia continues to inspire young athletes to dream big

02:58 cake.