NEPAZ descends on Mutare

 

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter

 

POOL enthusiasts in Mutare will have a lesson or two to learn on how the game is played competitively when the ninth edition of the National Elite Pool-Players Association of Zimbabwe (NEPAZ) rolls into life at premier pool and entertainment joint, Villa Spot in Dangamvura tomorrow (Saturday).

Matches start at 10am.

NEPAZ chairman, Benjamin Mabugu, who confirmed the inclusion of corporate partners, Afdis and Delta Beverages, said they are happy with the thorough preparations done by the host of the tournament — Villa Spot.

“We will have our ninth edition at Villa Spot and we know the host knows what we expect of him as this is the third time Villa Spot has been hosting such events.

“We are happy with his investment in the new cushions on the tables as part of the preparations. We are also happy that the host has also sourced consolation prizes from Delta and Afdis. NEPPAZ will be giving the winner US$500, runner-up US$300, second runner-up US$200, third runner-up US$100, while positions five to eight will get US$50 each,” said Mabugu.

In a separate interview, the host of the elite competition, Villa Spot proprietor, Abel Zhakata said: “We are expecting a very huge turnout from across the country especially from the hosting city, Mutare where we now have new upcoming talent.

As Villa Spot, we are excited to host this prestigious tournament which brings to the table the best pool players in the country. This also gives local pool players an opportunity to compete with the best and fine tune their tactics to international standards.

“Over the years, since we began hosting NEPAZ, our Mutare players have not disappointed. They have won the competition on several occasions and we hope they will do the same this time around. It is promising to be a big event and several sponsors have come on board,” said Zhakata.

With more than 60 players expected to partake in the competition on Saturday, some of those already registered include Elliot Chikwepa (Megga1), Allan Chimbuya (Blueroof); Ashley JR, Phillip Pfundo, Trinity Dirwai (Vacphone), Thomas Dzotsa (Elusion), Happyson Murashiki (Vacphone), Joshua Chambwera, Lucky Chitsungo (Chamukom), Tatenda Chikara (Beer Garden), Tapiwa Masomera (Acid), Steven Paswani, Nyasha Mature (Vacphone), Charles Simango (Leisure), Pardon Mapira (Villa Spot) and Wrynn Nhachi (Leisure), among many others.