MBABANE – In Oslo, Norway, 13-year-old Simakhelwe ‘S’makhi’ Magagula has secured a place in the history books with a breakthrough world championship performance.
The national junior champion became the first LiSwati player to reach the semi-finals of the World Heyball Junior Championships after defeating New Zealand’s 17-year-old Manaia McQueen 5-2 in the quarter-finals.
Magagula’s achievement is reportedly only the second by an African player at this stage of the competition, with the first being a South African competitor.
The youngster is representing Eswatini at the 2026 World Junior Heyball Championships, taking place in Oslo from June 12 to 17.
His route to the semi-finals began with a narrow 6-5 victory over Seyman Atila in the opening round before overcoming Guilherme Goncalves 7-4 in round two.
Magagula qualified for the international tournament after emerging as Eswatini’s national junior champion.
He departed for Norway last Thursday through King Shaka International Airport in Durban before joining competitors from across the globe.
Eswatini Cue Sports Association (ECSA) Secretary General Mbongeni Gamedze confirmed the significance of the milestone.
“We are very proud of him. We never doubted his ability because we know he is talented. He has already put Africa on the map as the second player from the continent to reach the semi-finals of this tournament,” Gamedze said.
The sport combines traditional eight-ball elements of pool and snooker. The sport is governed internationally by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA).
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