Zvishavane Players Shine at Carling Black Label Tournament

By Nobuhle Mahlahla

Zvishavane - The Delta Corporation-sponsored Carling Black Label Pool Tournament has highlighted how pool is transforming lives, with players using the sport to earn an income, manage stress and avoid risky survival strategies such as prostitution.

The tournament, held recently under the sponsorship of Carling Black Label, drew 127 male participants and showcased the growing impact of pool as both a competitive sport and a source of economic empowerment.

Speaking after the event, Delta Beverages General Manager-Corporate Affairs, Patricia Murambinda, said the company's support for pool is more than just sponsorship.

“Pool remains one of the most accessible and widely enjoyed social sports across Zimbabwe, with strong appeal among many of our consumers and retail partners,” said Murambinda.

“As Delta Beverages, through Carling Black Label, we see our support for the tournament as part of our broader commitment to responsible social engagement platforms that bring communities together while also creating economic activity within the retail and hospitality ecosystem,” she said.

Murambinda noted the sport has continued to grow in popularity, with many retailers investing in pool tables and related infrastructure to meet increasing consumer interest.

“Our partnership with the Zimbabwe Pool Association and other stakeholders helps create structured and credible platforms for competition, talent recognition and community participation at both local and national levels,” she said.

She added that tournaments generate traffic for retail outlets while allowing the Carling Black Label brand to celebrate resilience, consistency and everyday champions.

“Importantly, such platforms contribute positively to community recreation, social connection and the continued development of sport as a unifying force within society,” Murambinda said.

Thobekani Masuku of Green Valley Pool Club in Kwekwe said the sport has had a life-changing impact on her.

“Pool has assisted me in self-sustenance. With four tokens, I am able to play pool and raise money for food, hence avoiding prostitution as a way of living. Besides that, stress is managed,” she said.

 Zvishavane Pool Association Chairman, Dr. Gabriel Ndagurwa said the tournament reflected significant growth in the sport and its potential to transform young lives.

“We did well as an association, starting with the number of those registered. We had a very good number of participants and the event also demonstrated improvements in the technical administration of pool,” he said.

“This is a platform where we can create an activity which young people are very interested in.

"We see a lot of young guys who really love the game and giving them an opportunity to showcase and develop their talent will go a long way in changing their lives,” he said.

Dr. Ndagurwa also said there was now need to change the perception that pool was merely a gambling activity, adding that it has evolved into a recognised sport capable of transforming lives.

He said the sport was creating real economic opportunities for young people and cited the example of elite player Ishka from Harare, who recently won a tournament in Kenya and walked away with a prize of US$11,000.

Dr. Ndagurwa said such earnings demonstrated the growing value of the sport and its potential to uplift players financially.

He said for a young man in his twenties to receive US$11,000 through pool was life-changing, adding that the money could allow a player to invest in business or other long-term projects that could improve their future.

He called on mining companies and other local businesses to support the sport.

“We also call upon local sponsors to get in touch with us so that we can organise more tournaments and create opportunities for our young people,” he said.

In the men’s category, Adrian Shumba, popularly known as Captain, emerged as champion.

Tonderai Tahwa finished second, Romeo Tinarwo took third place, and Tafadzwa Mutindafa finished fourth.

The women’s category was won by Melody Mupanga, followed by Catherine Chirubva in second place, Masuku in third and Kudzanayi Makura in fourth.