By Beverly Bizeki
Masvingo Pool Association (MAPA) has bemoaned women’s low participation in pool tournaments in the province after only eight women participated in the just ended provincial tournament held at Mospor Sports Bar and Ghetto Oasis Sports Bar in Chiredzi.
Although participation in the game is improving across the country, women’s participation has remained low despite various interventions by organizers.
MAPA Marketing Officer Tawanda Chemutsanga said there was need to debunk the idea of pool being a sport for drinkers and reintroduce the game in more accessible places other than beer halls.
“Women’s participation in pool tournaments has remained relatively low in our tournaments. Pool is regarded as a sport for drinkers and most women do not enter into bottle stores or beer halls. There is need to introduce the sport in community halls, open space and other places accessible to everyone.
“The other challenge could be the low prize money associated with the women’s category and very few have passion for the sport although we are trying to push for more women to participate,” said Chemutsanga.
The event, which was the first to be held outside Masvingo District since inception, attracted poolers from various areas across the Lowveld region an indicating growth in the sport.
“This was the first time in the history of pool in the province for MAPA to host a monthly tournament outside Masvingo District which shows that the sport is growing across Zimbabwe. The tournament was a good experience to poolers in Chiredzi and Lowveld areas which includes Checheche, Mkwasine, Renco Mine, Triangle and Chikombedzi drawing altogether 57 poolers for the tournament.
From the women’s side, Lucy Runesu from Triangle Pool Club well known for her sharp gaze and precise shots saw her battling for the top post with Sharon Mutsetse, known as Shez with Runesu winning the tournament with a 5 vs 2.
On the man’s side Walter Mbiza, known as Wale from Rutenga Pool Club won the first position and walked away with US$190 followed by Kudakwashe Matembwa with US$140, Nobert Chigandura with US$70 and Pedzisai Mayana with US$30.
The tournament was held under the theme, ‘None but Ourselves Can Uplift Our Community. We Will Do It through Inclusive Sport, Education and Togetherness Led by Ubuntu’ and organizers of the event were hoping to create employment to youths in the region as well as form women and youth leagues in the communities.
Chemutsanga however said hooliganism and bullying were still major issues which need to be addressed at the tournaments.
