tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
AFTER dominating the local pool scene over the last five years, Chitungwiza-based Tigers Pool Club are now set to open an academy in the dormitory town.
The reigning national champions are one of the most popular pool teams in the country, and basking in glory after bagging a record sixth consecutive United Chitungwiza Pool League (UCPL) title.
Tigers Pool Club also won the National Championships in 2020 after claiming second place the previous year.
One of their players, Patricia Ganya, defied age and won the Carling Black Label championship in Masvingo in July — becoming the first woman from Chitungwiza to clinch the title.
The 53-year-old Ganya walked away with US$1 500 and a pool table.
Buoyed by their rich history, Tigers Pool Club, are now setting up an academy that will tap and nurture talent from Chitungwiza and surrounding areas.
“The secret behind our success is that we recruit young and disciplined players.
“If a player does not toe the line, we part ways,” says Isaac Tichareva, the founder of Tigers Pool Club.
“We saw that pool can be a gainful sport for most of these youngsters.
“The sport can also be used to fight against drug and alcohol abuse. So, we are now establishing a Tigers Pool Academy,” he added.
Tichareva said the mother body – the Zimbabwe Pool Association (ZIPA) – should tap talent from schools, starting from primary level.
“At the moment pool is associated with drunkards, which is actually not the case.
“There are a lot of good players who do not even drink or smoke, but are making a life out of the game,” he said.
Tichareva, who is also a national team coach, believes that Chitungwiza’s dominance in pool is because of “sound structures” that have been set up.
Online Reporter