By Fortunate Gunde
KAROI — Mashonaland West’s top pool players secured places at the national championships after emerging victorious at a provincial tournament held at Waterfront Resort in Karoi last week.
The competition, organised by the Karoi Pool League and sponsored by Carling Black Label, brought together male and female players from across the province to compete for provincial honours and qualification for the national finals, scheduled to take place in Gweru in the coming weeks.
Philimon Bakani, popularly known as “Phidza,” of Dhewa Pool Club, won the men’s title after defeating a field of leading cue artists from across the province. Malvin Nhimura of As You Like It finished second, while Victor Mukucha of Liquidowny Pool Club and Osama Olipa of As You Like It placed third and fourth, respectively.
In the women’s category, Shorai John claimed the provincial championship ahead of Dadirai Mhindu, who finished second. Tatenda Chihwehwete took third place, while Mebo Kunaka finished fourth.
The top two finishers in both the men’s and women’s divisions qualified to represent Mashonaland West at the national championships.
Tournament coordinator Florida Nyamupangana, popularly known as “Mam Florida,” oversaw the event with support from officials from the Karoi City Council.
Matches were contested throughout the day, with players demonstrating high levels of skill before champions were crowned in closely contested finals.
Karoi Pool Association vice-chairperson Earnest Marangwanda and Mashonaland West provincial technical director Sternage Dakar said organised leagues were helping to promote social cohesion and provide an alternative to drug and substance abuse among youths.
Tournament officials also praised referees for maintaining professional standards and ensuring fair play throughout the competition.
The manager, Taisley Tandai, also known as “Aka,” said the success of the Karoi tournament demonstrated the broader social and economic benefits of the sport.
“The Karoi tournament proved that pool is more than just a game. It develops talent, creates income opportunities, and keeps young people productive. Women’s participation was particularly encouraging, and there is a need for increased sponsorship to support female players and strengthen their presence in the sport,” Tandai said.
Organisers said the successful staging of the tournament reflects the growing strength of pool in Mashonaland West as the province prepares to compete against some of Zimbabwe’s best players at the national championships in Gweru.
The tournament highlights the continued growth of pool in Zimbabwe, where the sport has expanded beyond recreation into a competitive discipline attracting increasing participation from young people and women.
Provincial leagues have become important platforms for talent identification, community engagement, and youth development, with sports administrators increasingly promoting pool as a tool for combating drug and substance abuse among young people.
Zimbabwe has witnessed rapid growth in cue sports over the past decade, with organised leagues operating in urban centres and small towns across the country’s provinces. National competitions have helped raise standards and provide pathways for players to compete at higher levels.
