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.
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 Onida invested in his future and the future of the game.
He won a pool table which he has been using for practice ahead of this year’s National Pool championship in Masvingo on Saturday.
For Onida to defend his title he has to get past a strong field. There 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 (Nepaz) tournament in Harare. Those experiences have strengthened his confidence as he prepares to defend the Carling Black Label crown in Masvingo this Saturday.
Onida’s remarkable journey has also reinforced his belief in the power of sport to transform lives.
“Pool is changing people’s lives, taking some of them away from drugs,” he said.
“Even financially, the players are benefiting because we now have more competitions locally.”
His rise has an even more remarkable backstory.
