Eshca Chimbwanda, a trailblasing cue sports star who has represented the country at various prestigious local and international tournaments—earning rich pickings along the way—has invested a fortune in setting up an arcade in the Harare central business district (CBD) to groom upcoming talent.
Nicknamed "Zim 1" owing to his exceptional exploits and talent—a masterstroke used to outwit countless rivals in cue sports, both local and international, on the billiard table—Eshca has established the Cityscape Pool Lounge.
Eshca made use of the US$11 600 prize money that he earned from emerging as the undisputed champion at the inaugural Timba-XO International Pool Carnival in Eldoret, Kenya, in early 2025.
There, he outclassed Grieven Stanford of Malawi 9-6 in a pulsating encounter that has become a stunning highlight of his career.
He also credits the establishment of this imposing and incredible talent-grooming facility to his earnings from the National Elite Pool Players of Zimbabwe (NEPAZ), which is bankrolled by the "sung hero" of cue sports, Mr Nevsun himself.
"Pool has changed my life completely. It has given me a platform to represent my country on a global stage, meet incredible people, and build a career doing what I love.
The winnings from Timba-XO and NEPAZ overall prize money made it possible for me to open my own arcade, Cityscape Pool Lounge, located in the CBD of Harare.
"This is my way of giving back to the sport and creating a space where upcoming talent can come, learn, play, and develop their skills. I believe it is my responsibility to nurture the next generation,” said Eshca in an interview with The Sports Hub.
"Cue sports can play a significant role in offering a positive alternative to the youth.
“It teaches discipline, focus, and strategic thinking, providing a productive outlet for energy and talent.
“By establishing more accessible youth leagues and creating safe, professional environments like my arcade, we can help steer young people away from destructive habits and towards a passion that can even become a career."
He said that winning the Timba-XO International Pool Carnival was a monumental moment in his career, as the tournament was not easy.
"I knew I had to play my games carefully and strategically. I thank God for the win, and I must commend the organisers for the impressive prize money of KSh 1.5 million (US$11 600), which was truly life-changing for me. I'm also grateful to Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and his team for putting together such a world-class event," he said.
Although back home Eshca has experienced the downside of his career, exemplified by his loss to stars like Timothy "Sakala" Onida in the Carling Black Label (CBL) tournament, he was never tempted to throw the baby out with the bathwater, so to speak.
"Losing is never easy, but it's an essential part of the sport. When you compete against top players like Sakala, you know you have to be at your best. Sometimes things don't go your way and that's okay. The best way to handle defeat is to accept it, learn from it, and use it as fuel to come back stronger. A loss is just a lesson in disguise," he said.
Doyen of cue sports, Chimbwanda, earned the nickname "Mzamo" from a South African player he used to follow and watch, as he absolutely adored his style of play.
"I admired his flair and technique so much that I adopted the name, and it just stuck with me. 'Zim 1' is more straightforward, as it represents my ambition and my standing as one of the top players from Zimbabwe. It is a badge of pride representing my country," he said.
Chimbwanda started playing pool in 2014, and his journey has been one of steady growth through several clubs that helped shape his career. His first club was Dion Pool Club in Kambuzuma, where he spent his first year learning and developing his game.
He then moved to the Harare South Pool League (HSPL) Club, the 2025 champion Maximum 04 in Southlea Park, before joining Flora Pool Club in Westlea.
As his level of play blossomed, he signed for Status Bullets in Budiriro, where he competed in the Harare Professional Pool League (HPPL).
"Mzamo" then moved to Bulawayo, where he joined King Pool Club, one of the city's biggest cue sport stables, owned by Fisani Moyo. Eshca spent about three theatrical years there, gaining valuable experience and competing at a high level.
After his time at King PC, he joined Palace Pool Club in Bulawayo. When his contract ended, he spent about six months without a club before joining his current team, Island Cue-Stars, where he competes in the Nevsun Premier Pool League (NPPL).
Along the way, he represented Harare Province and earned selection to Zimbabwe's national team (the Fish Eagles) for the All Africa Pool Association (AAPA) games in 2021.
Mzamo holds the depth of competition in cue sports in high esteem, saying it is fantastic, especially in Zimbabwe.
"It pushes you to be your best every time you step up to the table. Locally, the competition is fierce. Players like Timothy 'Sakala' Onida, Malvern 'Maluva' Mukonza, Ceasar, Aden, Ganda Ganda, and Ibra are all formidable opponents. Every match against them is a battle," he admits.
Eshca paid homage to Maluva and Sakala, saying that they are both exceptional players with distinct styles. He said that Maluva is known for his grit and determination, while Sakala is a calculating and precise player.
On the other end of the stick, he believes his own game is a mix of calculated strategy and flair, as he likes to adapt to his opponent and the flow of the game. He said that they all have different strengths and that is what makes local competitions so exciting to watch.
Eshca has also taken part in Heyball competitions, also known as Chinese Eight-Ball, a fast-paced and challenging format of pool. Mzamo comes from a supportive family that has always encouraged his passion for pool.
When he is not at the table, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones; he also enjoys playing and watching football as a way to unwind and stay active, along with other hobbies like listening to music to keep mentally sharp.
"My immediate goal is to build on my success in Kenya and compete in more international tournaments. I want to continue to raise the flag for Zimbabwe and prove that we have some of the best pool players on the continent.
"I want to use my platform to show that with dedication, anything is possible. I have received an additional cash token from the tournament organiser, MP Oscar Sudi, which is a huge motivation for me. I'm determined to keep working hard, stay focused, and make my country proud. To all the young players out there, believe in yourself. 'Mzamo' is always watching," he said.
His arcade, Cityscape Pool Lounge, is now open in the CBD—a dream made possible by the sport he cherishes.