Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira
IT’S no secret that the game of pool has been a male-dominated domain for a long time. But a few women have now mastered the art of billiards, and they’re making their mark in the game. These women are determined to change the perception that pool is only for men.
According to Flatta Moyo, a seasoned player and administrator, women can play pool just as well as men.
“At first, most people used to call us names because you will be surrounded by men and worse off playing in a bar, but we changed all that perception. Now they get to understand that you can actually go to a bar to just play pool, nothing more,” she said.
Moyo, who is the Zimbabwe Women Pool Association (ZWPA) publicity and marketing officer, fell in love with the game back in 2010 during her visit to South Africa. Since then, she has won a few medals and represented her country in Zambia.
But the road to success hasn’t been easy for women who play pool. The game is mostly played in bars, and society frowns upon women who patronise bars. Only a few women have managed to cope, and it requires them to be firm and get support, according to Moyo.
The ZWPA development officer, Prisca Mujakachi, adds that there is a negative perception from society on women poolers, especially given that the games are played in bars.
“Society views women playing pool as of loose morals, which is not the case mostly. It’s just a perception that is far from reality,” says Mujakachi.
But despite the challenges, the number of women in pool in the country is growing, albeit at a slow pace. Through the monthly tournaments spearheaded by ZWPA, which are held along the length and breadth of Zimbabwe, the organisation has seen the growth of the numbers of local women participating.
Mujakachi encourages women to take pool as a profession or a job that can bring food to the table.
“When playing pool, value yourself even when playing in bars. Practice more and challenge even the top players, you can only improve. Participate in as many tournaments as possible,” says Mujakachi.
The game of pool has come a long way in Zimbabwe. It’s no longer just a pastime but has evolved to be a professional sport with organised leagues and international competitions. The game of billiards, popularly known in Zimbabwe as pool, has a long and rich history, and it’s exciting to see women making their mark in the sport.
As Moyo puts it, “We are heading for greater times. We just pray someday we get sponsorship to help us grow more and get to play in more conducive places as women and move the game from the bars so that we harness the talent that is out there.”
With the determination and passion that these women bring to the game, there’s no doubt that they will continue to make strides and change the game of pool forever.–@innocentskizo
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