adminNgqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’S pool fraternity has been handed a boost after being chosen to host next year’s All Africa Pool Championships.
The country was given the opportunity to host the annual tournament at the last annual general meeting of the All Africa Pool Association held in Uganda.
Godfrey Kondo, who led the delegation, said they have already started preparations for the event that would be held in August in Harare.
The continental showcase is expected to bring together the best pool players in Africa.
“It is a great opportunity for us to bring spotlight to pool and grow our sport. Our decision to resume attendance of the AAPA meetings has paid off.
“We attended in 2009 but then slacked and we only resumed last year when it was held in Maseru,” said Kondo.
He said the trip to Uganda was a fruitful one as both administrators and players got lessons through various activities.
Kondo said interacting with tournament directors and administrators from other countries gave them new dimensions to the game while players benefitted from engaging international champions, South African pool player Wetsi Morake and playing doubles with foreign players.
“In Uganda we were exposed to high levels of competition, higher than we have ever faced as a nation but we managed to fend off stiff competition from strong teams like Zambia and Kenya.
“We realised that though resources were limited, we have talented players,” he said.
Kondo said they are aiming at a good performance in the 2017 edition to ensure they come out best as the host nation.
“We have abundant talented players and I believe with good administration and resources we can be the best. I pray that our leadership creates a conducive environment for us to thrive next year,” he said.
Zimbabwe came third at the AAPA Championships, with host country Uganda clinching the top sport while South Africa came second.
Full Squad that travelled to Uganda
Machingura Mhondoro, Hilary Mukamuri, Christine Sengwe, Carol Dube, Flatta Moyo, Rebecca Chitokwani, Tariro Vhondo, Priscilla Chisoro, Priscilla Lunga, Abigail Sendi, Sam Siment, Godfrey Kondo, Albinos Pasure, Tawanda Tongwe, Adriel Shamu, Geshem Nash, Tendai Mubayiwa, Munashe Silingwani, Emmanuel Rapasi, Joseph Mwanza
Online Reporter