Pool body to boost youth, women’s growth

Brandon Moyo, [email protected]

ZIMBABWE Pool Association (Zipa) president, Nickson Mashayahanya, said they will focus on boosting women’s and youth participation in the sport as part of their resolutions for 2025.

Mashayahanya made the comments at the recently concluded 2024 National Champions League pool tournament held at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

He emphasised the importance of creating a more conducive environment to encourage increased involvement of women and young players.

“I am happy with the improvement. The game is developing in other centres that were previously not considered as powerhouses of pool.

“2024 has been a successful year, but we could have achieved more. In 2025, we aim to strive for greater women’s participation and increased involvement of younger players. We will achieve this by providing more accessible venues for these groups, allowing them to feel free to come and participate in our events,” said Mashayahanya.

Chitungwiza-based Tigers Pool Club won the 2024 National Champions League tournament. 

Tigers are now the best pool club in the country after dethroning Nkulumane Pool Club, which entered the event as defending champions.

Tigers beat home side, Queens Pool Academy, in the final to claim the title, winning 8-5 and rounding off a memorable weekend in the City of Kings and Queens.

Bulawayo Provincial Pool Association (BPPA) marketing and publicity officer Ozzy Dziko expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s organisation, adding that they are looking forward to a more competitive 2025 season.

“Everything went well. As Bulawayo Province, we are pleased to have hosted such a significant event. Congratulations to Tigers Pool Club, which was crowned champions. We also want to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the tournament. We are grateful to our sponsors and partners.

“As we close the year, we are looking forward to another competitive season in 2025, which we hope will see the sport continue to grow in leaps and bounds,” said Dziko.

The National Champions League tournament saw 48 teams compete compared to the previous edition’s 32 clubs.