By Fanuel Chinowaita
Bulawayo, 12 August 2025 -Harare Province stamped its authority on the 2025 Carling Black Label Pool Finals, held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Hall Number 1 recently , sweeping most podium spots in both the men’s and women’s categories.
In the women’s division, Alice Chiota clinched the national title, with fellow Harare players Christine Sengwe and Michelle Dube taking second and third place, respectively. Perpetual Nyamayaro from Mashonaland East completed the top four.
The men’s competition saw Epworth’s Timothy “Sakala” Onida emerge victorious, with Tapiwa Musaona from Masvingo settling for second place. Harare’s Ronald Mutikani and Midlands’ Andile Ndlovu finished third and fourth, respectively.
However, it was heartbreak for the South Eastern Pool Association (SEPA) contingent from Chipinge and Chiredzi, who once again bowed out in the early rounds despite high expectations. Chipinge was represented by Jabulani Thaundi and Maxwell Fumbani, while Chiredzi’s team included King Leo, Nossy, Wale Boy, and Thandazani.
Post-match reflections revealed a mix of frustration and calls for improvement. Thaundi blamed their performance on unfamiliarity with faster, high-quality cloth used in national events. “We need to get used to the faster tables,” he said.
Chiredzi’s Nosta “Nossy” Mashateni, who reached the women’s round of 16, was visibly emotional after losing to the women’s national team captain. She alleged her opponent took advantage of a table change while trailing 2–1. “She saw she couldn’t make shots on table number 3,” Nossy claimed.
Other SEPA players echoed similar concerns, citing poor time management, lack of competitive exposure, and table quality. Thandazani lamented that “no one was allowed to be my mouthpiece,” while King Leo stressed the need for more participation in Harare and Bulawayo tournaments.
Adding to the woes, Beitbridge qualifier Marcus “Kante” Sithole crashed out via a walkover after failing to recognize his name being called.
Local supporter Boss Palolila urged SEPA to take lessons from the high standards seen at ZITF. “Next year, let’s go in numbers to Victoria Falls to learn pool,” he said.
The results serve as a wake-up call for SEPA to invest in player development and exposure, with hopes that next year’s finals will bring a different outcome for the south-eastern provinces.