Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair’s Hall One was a hive of energy late last Saturday night. Every seat was taken, and the air was thick with focus as players from across the country, cue sticks in hand, set their sights on one mission: sink the final black ball and take home the prize.
In the end, Harare’s Timothy Onida and Alice Chiota rose above a field of 148 competitors to claim the 2025 Carling Black Label Pool national titles. Both produced commanding 5-1 wins in their respective men’s and women’s finals, each pocketing US$2 500 and a top-of-the-range pool table.
The runners-up in both categories earned US$1,500, while third and fourth-placed players took home US$1 000 and
US$500. For Chiota, 40, it was redemption after finishing as first runner-up two years ago.
“It’s really pleasing to be crowned a champion,” she said, beaming. “It all came through hard work. This game needs a lot of practice, and I’m happy with the prize, which I think will change my life.”
Onida’s determination was clear from the start. “To be honest, I wanted to win and I had already told myself before leaving home that I was going to win,” he said.
The event drew 74 men and 74 women, with matches running from mid-morning deep into the night. Pool in Zimbabwe has grown far beyond its old image as a bar pastime, now thriving in clubs and recreational centres.
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture believes the sport can grow even further if given the right platform.
“As the Government, we are advocating for pool to be played in more conducive places like schools and other decent sporting facilities so that it can accommodate all,” she said.
“We have a crisis of drug abuse amongst youths, but I am confident sports like pool will go a long way in taking these youths off the streets.
“Pool is now being played at a professional level in Zimbabwe, and many people are making a living out of the sport.”
Jesaya added that more existing facilities should be opened up to host tournaments.
“Venues like schools can be used, especially during weekends when students are free. As Government, we will make sure we provide the right platform for the sport of pool to keep rising.”
Corporate support for the game is also growing, signalling a promising future for the sport and its players.
