Beverly Bizeki
The first edition of the Masvingo Pool Association (MAPA) tournament recently held at Manhede Bar in Mucheke was a success with Kudakwashe Mudekunye and Thandazana Mthunzi Nkiwane being crowned male and female provincial champions respectively.
Speaking to TellZim News, MAPA marketing officer Tawanda Chemutsanga said the event had 89 participants who tussled for the grand prizes.
“We had a total of 77 male poolers and 12 females who tussled for the grand prize of an enticing US$250 for men and US$50 for ladies.
“The tournament exceeded expectations as it attracted players from beyond Masvingo as far as Renco Mine, Mwenezi, Nyika, Zaka and even Checheche in Manicaland and had to incur transport costs only to be part of the tournament,” said Chemutsanga.
Mudekunye won the prize after going through a tough competition with one Blessing as he scored 5 – 4 in the final match.
“The tournament was packed to the brim with fireworks in the male category as we saw an in form Mudekunye also known as ‘Kidem’ annihilate a tough Blessing in a thrilling final encounter with an authoritative 5-4 scoreline.
In the female category Nkiwane won with an impressive 5-0 against Charity who had also played well.
“In the ladies’ category, Charity who was ever so impressive from the onset was put on halt in the final by Nkiwane with an embarrassing 5-0 scoreline having dismissed Mazvita 5-4 and Ashley 5-1 before a valiant final fight with the Black Label Queen Nkiwane,” said Chemutsanga.
The theme for the tournament was ‘no to drug and substance abuse’ and was aimed at promoting women’s participation in pool tournaments.