Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR defending Carling Black Label men’s National Pool champion Timothy Onida, the past 12 months have been nothing short of life-changing, with the cue sport opening doors he once only dreamed about.
Before his breakthrough triumph last year in Bulawayo, Onida’s biggest challenge was not the quality of his opponents but the lack of resources.
“To be honest, most things have changed since I was crowned the Carling Black Label national champion in Bulawayo last year,” said Onida, who hails from Epworth.
“Before I won this tournament, I had no time to practice.
“I had no equipment to use for proper practice, but now I have a pool table, which I won.” That victory in Bulawayo opened the doors for Onida.
Instead of spending his US$2 500 prize money lavishly, the 24-year-old invested in his future and that of the game.
He also won a pool table, which he has been using for practice ahead of this year’s National Pool championship which will be staged in Masvingo on Saturday.
For Onida to defend his title, he has to get past a strong field.
Standing between Onida and a successful title defence is a formidable field of the country’s finest pool players, including 2024 champion Godfrey “Sir Gode” Masona, Admire Chidya, Paul Mutetwa, and Prince Marikopo.
“I know I am the defending champion and all eyes will be on me,” he said.
“I really want to remain the champion because I now have more experience, but I am aware there will be stiff competition,” added Onida.
The Carling Black Label title has also elevated his profile beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Following his victory, Onida represented the country in several local and international tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals of a competition in South Africa before returning home to claim the fifth edition of the National Elite Pool Association of Zimbabwe tournament in Harare.
