Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
THE Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) Bulawayo provincial coordinator, Sam Dzvimbu, has expressed their readiness to provide all the necessary support to ensure the extensive growth of pool as a sport in Zimbabwe.
Dzvimbu made these remarks at the elective Zimbabwe Pool Association (ZIPA) Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo at the weekend.
Isaac Tichareva was elected as the association’s new president, taking over from Jabulani Mashayahanya.
Paradza Mhangwa is now the new vice president, succeeding Humphrey Riyano.
Tapiwa Sikwila and Wellington Chikasha were elected unopposed for the positions of secretary-general and technical director, respectively.
Phillip Zimbiru assumed the role of marketing and sponsorship officer after defeating Archie Scholtz, while Munhuwashe Ndanga was retained as the association’s treasurer.
In his address to the new ZIPA board, Dzvimbu emphasised the need for organised pool structures across the country. “We are pleased that the proceedings at the elective ZIPA AGM went smoothly. The positions you have taken up today are voluntary, so serve from the bottom of your hearts. As the Sports and Recreation Commission and the government, we will provide all the necessary support to ensure the growth of pool as a sport.
“We want every corner of Zimbabwe to have a structured pool system. The game needs to be developed extensively, and as the government, we are ready to offer our support,” said Dzvimbu.
The newly elected office bearers will serve a four-year term.
Tichareva stressed the importance of transparency, stating that the new executive would strictly adhere to the association’s constitution.
“My first mission will be to bring accountability to the association. Transparency in the sport has been lacking, and I believe it is crucial for its growth.
“There are remote areas that are lagging behind, so we need to provide them with pool tables. I will work with my team to facilitate this and ensure the sport reaches every part of the country.
“Without discrediting the previous board, there have been constitutional violations in the past. The main issue has been the lack of transparency,” said Tichareva.
Zimbiru highlighted the need to attract corporate sponsorship to support the sport.
“I plan to work with former executive members to engage the corporate world and elevate pool into one of the biggest and most recognised sports in our country,” said Zimbiru.
He added that sport could serve as a source of livelihood for many young people, thereby helping to reduce drug and substance abuse. — @FungaiMuderere
