Zim pool referees make history at Africa tourney

ZIMBABWE is set to make its mark on the African cue sports scene with three of its top referees, Rumbidzai Chipangamate, Perfect Chidhakwa and Willie Mutingwa, being appointed to officiate at the All Africa Pool Association (AAPA) championship tournament in Durban, South Africa.

The tournament starts today and ends on February 8.

The trio’s expertise and knowledge of black ball rules have earned them a spot at the prestigious event, which features over 10 African countries and these are: Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Eswatini, Botswana, Morocco and Zimbabwe.

“We congratulate our referees on their appointment and wish them all the best,” said Donald Wadawu, public relations manager of the Zimbabwe Pool Association.

“We urge them to raise our national flag high,” added Wadawu.

The Zimbabwe national team, fondly known as the Fish Eagles, arrived in Durban on Sunday and two players, Macement and Pakanati Jimu, were set to join the squad yesterday.

The team, which is under the guidance of Paul “Macheso” Mutizo, a pool player of repute in Bulawayo and in the country during his prime, is expected to face stiff competition from top players across the continent, including Aden Joseph and Jeremiah Naidoo from South Africa, Caesar Chandiga and Ibrahim Sejeemba from Uganda, and Ginte March from Malawi.

In an interview from Durban yesterday, an optimistic Mutizo said: “The mood in the camp is electric, we’re feeling pumped up and ready to take on the competition. The games are going to start tomorrow.

“As the national pool coach, I am targeting a strong performance and a win for Zimbabwe. Our vision is to create a winning national team hence the motto “We don’t lose at home and we win Away. As such, we focusing on foundational techniques, strategies and mental preparation with an emphasis on endurance, accuracy and tactical play

The AAPA tournament is a significant event on the African cue sports calendar, and Zimbabwe’s participation in the refereeing team is a testament to the country’s growing influence in the sport. With the draw set to take place soon, all eyes will be on the Zimbabwean referees and the Fish Eagles team as they compete against the best.

AAPA, established in South Africa on October 28, 1999, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting, developing, and advancing cue sports across Africa.

It is affiliated with the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA), recognising it as the global governing body for pool.

The organisation’s executive committee includes representatives from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Uganda and Kenya.

AAPA is involved in major events, including the Black Ball World Championship and the Hawley Cup, and collaborates with national bodies like the South African Pool union (Sapu). — @FungaiMuderere