Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE second half of the 2026 Mutare Pool League (MPL) season is underway, with an exciting, yet unfamiliar trend of traditional giants of the league getting some major upsets from upcoming and new clubs.
Rozvi Pool Club, the now defunct Villa Pool Club – all of Dangamvura, Soul City Pool Club, based in the Central Business District and Acid Pool Club based in Zimta are some of the traditional giants of the MPL.
But during the first half of the 2026 season, emerging forces to reckon with that include Navtech Pool Club and Pahukama Pool Club defied the odds by snatching valuable points while playing against known big teams.
The game of pool is fast becoming the major pastime activity, especially in high-density suburbs where youths and adults alike, are devoting much of their free time. MPL chairman, Harris ‘Mukanya’ Shoni, said the first half of the season was exciting and competitive.
He conceded that tables have turned in the MPL, and perceived small teams and new clubs are now holding fort against traditional giants of the league.
“For this season, the second half started on a high note, especially after the midseason break that came with the transfer window. Most teams acquired new players.
“Matches are moving smoothly. We are happy that we have teams that used to be punching bags that are now causing major upsets. It is no longer about the traditional four teams that we knew would dominate the upper echelons of the log table.
Clubs like Navtech, Pahukama and Vacphone are causing major upsets for the so-called big teams. So the second half of the season has been highly competitive. It is no longer a three or four-horse race,” said Shoni.
The MPL boss acknowledged the immense improvement in standards of match officiating, albeit a room for improvement.
“We had the referees’ refresher course. It has helped quite a lot. Disputes are now very few. Almost all the officials are performing according to our expectations.
“All the teams now have representatives in terms of referees, and we are now on the same wavelength. That refresher course helped us a lot. We hope to have another one if resources allow so that we strengthen our officiating capacity,” he said.
Shoni paid tribute to patrons and sponsors for ensuring that affiliation fees for their club and other mandatory costs are met.
“In terms of affiliation and player registration, teams have been cooperating, and we are almost on point. We hope and pray that all our remaining matches of the season will now be played in peace, harmony and exciting environment,” he said.
