BY AUSTIN KARONGA
NEWLY crowned Carling Black Label National Pool men’s champion, Timothy Onida, is riding high after pocketing US$2500 and a sleek pool table won during the finals played in Bulawayo recently.
And he’s giving props to prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa for helping him become the master of the table he is today.
The Epworth ace revealed that Makandiwa, a known pool enthusiast, bought him the very pool table he practices on. Makandiwa is a known pool fanatic and occasionally plays against some of the top playing players within his congregants at UFI Church.
“He’s been instrumental in moulding me into the person I am today,” Onida gushed. “I’m also grateful to my sponsors, Nevsun Aggregates, for their unwavering support.”
Onida dominated the competition, edging out Tapiwa Musaona of Masvingo 5-1. Ronald Mutikani claimed third place with a US$1000 prize, while Andile Ndlovu took fourth place and pocketed US$500.
His victory was not without its challenges, though. He faced a tense moment in the tournament when he was penalised for a technical foul he swore he did not commit.
“It was a tough phase, but credit to the organisers for handling it professionally,” he said.
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“I composed myself and went on a rampage, finishing the game in style.”
The 25-year-old phenomenon’s ability to stay focused and composed under pressure was evident in his performance, as he outpaced his competitor in what turned out to be a one-sided final contest.
Onida stood on the podium, clutching his winner’s check and trophy, thanking the heavens for his victory.
“I believed this was my time, and God delivered,” he exclaimed.
The national champion also expressed his gratitude to his sponsors, Nevsun Aggregates, for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Onida’s win is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
“I’ve been competing in tournaments for a while now, and coming into this one, I told myself that I want to win and believed this was my time,” he said.
His confidence and determination paid off, as he dominated the competition and emerged victorious.
The tournament’s prize money was a welcome boost for the winners, with Chitungwiza’s Alice Chiota also pocketing US$2500 and a pool table after beating Christine Sengwe 5-1 in the women’s final.
“I’ve come close before, but this time I just knew I’d do it,” Chiota beamed.
The triumphant Chiota encouraged fellow women to take up sports like pool, which can be a viable career path with the right support and sponsorship.
Delta Beverages representative Washington Mudimbu praised the tournament’s high level of competition.
“We’re thrilled to see such incredible talent and sportsmanship. We look forward to more exciting competitions like this,” Mudimbu said.
The Carling Black Label National Pool Championship provided a platform for local pool players to showcase their skills and compete against the best.
Onida’s victory is set to inspire a new generation of pool players, and his association with Makandiwa will undoubtedly pave the way for more young players to follow in his footsteps.
The Carling Black Label National Pool Championship has set the bar high for future tournaments. With its high level of competition and exciting format, the tournament has become a must-watch event for pool fans.
