NATIONAL Elite Pool Association of Zimbabwe (NEPAZ) men's champion Malvern “Maluva” Mukonza has already shifted focus, and is now looking forward to leading the Zimbabwe national pool team at the International Heyball Pool Championships to be held in China from March 16 to April 3
Maluva will be part of the Zimbabwe team that comprises seven men and four women at the tournament.
But barely a fews days after winning the US$500 NEPAZ tournament at Small Stones in Chitungwiza, Mukonza will hardly take a break and will unpack his cue stick for the US$700 000 first prize purse tournament in China.
The tournament is being organized by the China-based International Heyball Pool Association (IHPA).
It is one of the biggest international pool events because of the highly lucrative prizes and the number of participants drawn from over 50 countries.
Maluva said he was ready for the China tournament and is confident of causing an upset.
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“This is my first tournament in China and I cannot wait to cause an upset. Remember in Kenya last year at the Mchana International tournament, I came fourth overall and I am more confident to participate and improve at a much bigger tournament in Asia.
“I am happy I am amongst the selected players to represent the country and together with others, we promise the pool fans in the country that we will do our best at the tournament and fly the Zimbabwean flag high,”he said.
Zimbabwe Pool Association (ZIPA) president, Ephraim Choto said participation at the China tournament would give the 11 selected players international recognition.
“Whilst the first prize of US $700 000 may seem beyond our players now, participation gives a rare opportunity for them to gain international recognition, experience and adequate competences to challenge for top honours in future.
“Preliminary training sessions have been conducted with extensive training sessions scheduled for days leading to our departure on 13 and 14 March, 2024. “Selection of players was based on performance at the All Africa games that were held in Johannesburg, South Africa in
October last year and at local competitions,” said the ZIPA president.
The travelling players are:
MEN
Chikwepa Elliot
Chimbwanda Eshca:
Mukonza Malvern
Mukwekwe Francis (Media)
Muzarurwi Blessing
Onida Timothy
Stephen Paswani
WOMEN
Chisoro Priscilla
Machipisa Plack
Mujakachi Prisca
Sengwe Christine
OFFICIALS
Wellington Chikasha ( ZIPA Technical Director)
Doc Archie Scholtz ( ZIPA Board Member Marketing)
Kelvin Panganayi (Player Welfare)
Francis Mukwekwe ZIPA Media Technician and player.