MORE than 70 top cue sports players have officially registered for the high-stakes "One-Man" pool tournament set for Saturday, July 25, at the newly built Earthquip Village, with organizers expecting the field to reach 128 participants before registration closes.
The official tournament draw will be conducted tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM to determine the opening matchups.
Speaking at today’s press briefing ahead of the pre-opening event, organizers confirmed a stacked lineup that already features notable local stars including Eshca “Mzamo” Chimbwanda, Timothy “Sakala” Onida , Ronald “O'Sullivan” Kazembe and Shingai “Programmer” Dhliwayo.
Tournament organiser Prosper Kumira highlighted the seamless logistics and high standard of competition expected on matchday.
“Logistically, everything is set to ensure a smooth, professional tournament. We’ve put in place clear fixtures and a structured schedule so that all 128 potential contenders get a fair, competitive playing field. The enthusiasm from players across the country has been overwhelming, and fans are in for non-stop action from the very first break,” Kumira assured.
Earthquip Media and Marketing Manager Forward Gurira reiterated the broader corporate vision behind supporting cue sports and community development.
“Our commitment goes beyond just hosting a one-off weekend competition. Earthquip is dedicated to creating structured platforms where local talent can thrive, grow, and treat pool as a serious, professional discipline. Earthquip Village is built to be a cornerstone for sports, family, and corporate recreation in Harare,” noted Gurira.
Addressing journalists at the presser, top contender,Programmer expressed confidence ahead of Saturday's showdown, noting that the venue's setup will push players to bring their absolute best game.
“Looking at the lineup and the quality of players who have registered so far, this is definitely going to be a tough battle. The setup at Earthquip Village is top-class, and having a $500 top prize on the line in a fast-paced 'Race to 5' knockout means there is zero room for mistakes. Every frame counts. I've been putting in the work, and I'm coming to give the fans a real show on Saturday,” Programmer remarked.
The pre-opening showcase serves as an exclusive sneak peek ahead of the venue's official grand opening. Located at the former Rubix site along Bulawayo Road, Earthquip Village aims to position itself as a premier multi-purpose sport, family, and leisure hub in the capital.
The action kicks off at 10:00 AM in the fast-paced knockout format. With a modest registration fee of $10, organizers are promising guaranteed cash payouts down to eighth place, headlined by the lucrative winner's purse.
Earthquip Village proprietor, Tatenda “Boss Tate” Mutombo, highlighted that the inspiration behind the project was to create a vibrant space where sports and community intersect.
“Earthquip Village was inspired by a simple idea: we don’t just want to build structures, we want to build community hubs. We chose this location along Bulawayo Road because it’s accessible, central, and has great visibility. This area is growing fast, and we wanted to create a space where business, sport, and family can meet,” he stated.
The miner and equipment supplier described Saturday's event as a "trailer" for patrons to sample the venue’s atmosphere before expanded sports zones, food courts, and larger entertainment venues are officially unveiled.
“Saturday is a taste of what’s coming. Patrons will experience the vibe, the space, and the energy of Earthquip Village. You’ll see the pool area, meet the team, and feel the atmosphere. For the grand unveiling, expect the full facility. Think of today as the trailer; the main movie is coming soon,” said the proprietor of Earthquip (Pvt) Ltd.
Pool fans and families attending the showcase are in for a treat, with high-octane musical performances headlined by popular Zimdancehall heavyweights Dhadza D and Silent Killer, alongside a lineup of guest artists, live DJs, varied food vendors, and family entertainment.
For fans unable to attend in person, the matches will be broadcast live via the @Earthquip Sports Club Facebook page.