BY JOTHAM GUTSA

A 16-MEMBER pool team was selected last weekend to represent  Zimbabwe at the All Africa Pool Association (AAPA) games that will be held in  Lusaka Zambia in March next year.

Zimbabwe Pool Association (ZIPA) hosted the AAPA national qualifiers at Leisure Centre in Ruwa where players from the seven affiliated provinces battled for places to represent the country.

A team of eight men and as many women will carry the nation’s flag at the games which are coming back after last year’s tournament was halted due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions.

In 2019 , the AAPA games were held in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

ZIPA spokesperson, Francis Mukwekwe, expressed satisfaction at the talent showcased at the national selection tournament.

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“We feel overwhelmed and I think its high time we show Africa that Zimbabwean pool has improved compared to the previous years.

“The tournament went well as planned and the players were chosen on merit. Most of the big names failed to make it, so some people are worried whether the new members selected will perform well.

“But I would say its high time we have young players and I believe they have the zeal to win not the same old names,” Mukwekwe said.

Winners in Zambia will represent their countries at the 2022 World Blackball  Championships to be held in Albi, France from October  8 to 15 next year.

Zimbabwe squad:

Men

Onida Timothy,  Adriel Shamhu,  Anthony Sibanda,  Tyris Panashe,  Eshca Chimbwanda,  Charles Simango,  Hardlife Magocha,  Polite Manavele

Women

Prisca Mujakachi, Charity Ncube,  Petronella Sibanda, Plaxedes Tavengwa,  Brenda Mukomba,  Primrose Chitura, Reya Chitokwani,  Christine Sengwe

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