Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda in MASVINGO
ALICE Chiota used to be a hairdresser.
Then, she fell in love with the game of pool and everything changed for her.
She says the game has changed her life and even given her some money to take care of her child.
The 41-year-old is the dominant woman when it comes to pool in this country. She successfully defended the Carling Black Label National Women’s Pool crown at the finals held at Urban Lifestyles Arena in Masvingo on Saturday night. Stephen Paswani of Bulawayo thumped 2024 winner Godfrey “Sir Gode” Masona of Mutare in the men’s final. But the night belonged to Chiota who became the first one to defend the Carling Black Label title in recent years.
Chiota, who says she can play the game until she gets to 70 years, “If God permits”, won the 2025 title in Bulawayo.The Chitungwiza player is a single mother who says her life has been made easy by the cue and stick game.
“I was a hairdresser before I took pool seriously, yes I would get some money to take care of my children but I am now getting more from the pool table I won last year.
“A lot of things have changed.
“After winning the title last year I used the money to find my own place to build. My kids are going to school,” a thankful Chiota said.
Chiota defeated Diana Kabasa in a tense final, to pocket US$2,500 plus a pool table. Cumulatively, Chiota has pocketed a total of US$5,000 and two pool tables since last year.
“I want to keep doing it,” she said.
Chiota acknowledges competition has become stiffer in recent years.
She was runner-up to Patricia Ganya, also of Chitungwiza in 2023.
Mercy Musekiwa of Warren Park won the title in 2024 before Chiota ascended to the throne in 2025.
“Competition is now stiff.
“Everyone is now a better player,” said Chiota. She is thankful that pool has transformed the lives of hundreds of women across Zimbabwe.
“Most think snooker is for ladies of loose morals, or prostitutes, no that’s not it. We have church people we play against in this game.
“We just play the game for the love of it and also because you can earn something. I am very happy, credit goes to Delta Beverages for organising this kind of a tournament which brings together elite pool players from across the country. I was relaxed before the tournament, meditating on the game.
“I didn’t think I would retain this title, but here I am. To the young ladies I say keep on pushing, keep practicing hard, the results will come. Tinosvika chete.”
While Chiota had a tough final against Kabasa, it was one way for Paswani who walloped Masona 5-0.
“This victory is for the people of Bulawayo where I come from.
“I really needed this crown, I prepared hard for this,” an elated Paswani.
He beat last year’s winner Timothy Onida in the semi-final.
“I was focused on this tournament and my efforts have paid off,” added Paswani. The tournament was held a day after renowned pool administrator and benefactor William Ndanga was buried in Zaka. Ndanga died on Wednesday in Harare. Zimbabwe Pool Association president Isaac “Zeke” Tichareva paid tribute to the late Ndanga.
“Ndanga was such a dedicated cadre, he dedicated his life to the game of pool.
“For the game to be where it is now is mainly because of efforts made by Ndanga. The pool family has lost a key man,” said Tichareva.
Bongani Ndlovu