Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE fast-growing game of pool will have a total of 18 clubs from different locations in Mutare battling it out on the table in the Mutare Pool League (MPL) season opening round of matches set for Sunday at different venues across the eastern border city.
The end of last season marked a return to sanity for MPL as champions, Soul City, were crowned at a colourful ceremony held at MSKV Arcade in Chikanga high-density suburb, a function that reflected the orderly and professional way of doing things that has finally returned to the widely followed snooker league ably led by passionate pool player and administrator, Harris Shoni.
In the past, MPL, had become synonymous with embezzlement of funds, biased disciplinary and officiating hearings, while being elected into the league leadership structures had become an automatic ticket to loot affiliate clubs’ financial resources. Apart from reigning champions, Soul City, all affiliate clubs received something for their participation in the 2025 season where star-studded, Rozvi Pool Club ended second, while the Shingirai Chahwanda-owned Why Why Pool Club came third.
Shoni confirmed the start of the 2026 season.
“Our league commences on March 8 (Sunday). We have retained all the teams from last season with the exception of one team which is now defunct and a new team has joined the league,” said Shoni.
Professionalism has been a major challenge for MPL, perhaps given its match venues where consumption of alcohol cannot be controlled, but Shoni said seminars with clubs have been lined up, and are expected to set new standards for participating teams.
“We will be holding seminars to equip all our teams so that we move in tandem with all professional leagues in the country under our mother body – the Zimbabwe Pool Association (ZIPA). We are also very serious about disciplinary issues and to that end, we will not tolerate any acts of indiscipline that undermine the professional standing of the league or bring the league into disrepute,” said Shoni. He said luring corporates remains one of their priorities.
“We hope to have corporates coming on board to support our league and nurture more pool stars that will represent our provincial and national teams. Remember, this is also an opportunity for these corporates to market their brands and give back to the community. Considering the huge following that this game is now enjoying, pool presents untapped mileage for corporates,” he said. Shoni said the game of pool is also helping in the national fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Our League has opened opportunities for our youths and most of them are now making a living through the sport, hence we call upon the corporate world to partner us and keep our youths busy to avoid the use of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
