Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Provincial Pool Association (BPPA), in partnership with Queens Pool Academy (QPA), has launched the BPPA Elite League, a development that is set to encourage competitiveness in the province.
BPPA already has the Premier League, Mzilikazi District League, Central Business District (BPPA) League and Reigate District League.
The Elite League that will align with Zimbabwe Pool Association’s (ZIPA) 2023 play format will feature a five by five format with 25 frames per match.
Teams must register eight to 12 players and pay an annual US$1 000 subscription fee, payable in instalments.
To maintain high standards, only venues with approved tables and playing conditions will play host to matches. QPA has committed to a three-year sponsorship plan, covering 25 percent of team subscriptions for prize money, providing team jerseys, revamping the BPPA website, assisting clubs in acquiring standard tables, and helping to attract sponsors.
Pool action from the Zitisu Games at Queens Sports Club
The league will also introduce inter-provincial challenge matches and live match streaming. The first teams to confirm participation are Queens Pool Academy, Exchange, Entumbane, and Premier Pool Club.
BPPA has called on other interested clubs to register.
BPPA secretary-general Nomore Muzvidziwa described the initiative as a major step towards professionalising the sport, emphasizing its potential to elevate player standards and visibility.
“With growing interest and strategic backing, the BPPA Elite League is poised to become a premier platform for competitive pool in Zimbabwe. It is a major step forward in trying to further professionalise pool in the country,” said Muzvidziwa.
Last weekend, BPPA held its annual general meeting (AGM) on Saturday at Queens Sports Club, where the association’s president Wilson Mudhari, secretary-general Muzvidziwa, and treasurer, Tafadzwa Muguyo, presented their reports.
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Mudhari said the provincial league saw all 16 slots being filled. The league kicked off with a mombe/inkomo tournament, which saw 15 teams participating — except for Kings Pool Club, who had a slow start to the season.
pool
“It was an exciting season with a high level of competition throughout, resulting in some match abandonments, which, of course, was regrettable,” said Mudhari.
Queens Pool Club were crowned the 2024 Premier League champions, having completed the season without a defeat.
Entumbane Pool Club and Nkulumane Pool Club finished as first and second runners-up, respectively, while Dragons Pool Club claimed fourth place in the top-flight league.
Meanwhile, the BPPA Champions League semi-final matches will be played at Golden Pillars today. -@FungaiMuderere
