THE Zimbabwe National Pool Team, nicknamed the Fish Eagles, is intensifying preparations for the All Africa Pool Association (AAPA) tournament, set to take place in Durban, South Africa, in February 2026 at the Suncoast Casino.
The squad is strengthening its capabilities in both the men’s and women’s circuits, aiming to achieve national glory.
The tournament, initially scheduled for this year, was postponed.
Zimbabwe Pool Association (ZIPA) technical director Wellington Dhewa Chikasha, views the date change positively.
He stated, “This shift of dates will give us ample time to prepare and fine tune our strategies for an even stronger performance.”
AAPA, established in South Africa on October 28, 1999, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting, developing, and advancing cue sports across Africa.
It is affiliated with the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA), recognising it as the global governing body for pool.
The organization’s executive committee includes representatives from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya. AAPA is involved in major events, including the Black Ball World Championship and the Hawley Cup, and collaborates with national bodies like the South African Pool Union (SAPU).
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The February 2026 event is expected to feature over 10 African countries, including traditional participants: Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa (hosts), Zambia, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Eswatini, Botswana, and Morocco, alongside three yet-to-be-confirmed nations.
Notable continental players anticipated to compete include Aden Joseph, Jeremiah Naido (South Africa), Ceasar Chandiga, Ibrahim Sejeemba (Uganda), Ginte (Malawi), and Zimbabwe’s own Blessing Muzarurwi and Pakanati Jimu.
The upcoming AAPA tournament will feature several pool disciplines in addition to the traditional Blackball:
Heyball: A variation of pool popular in Africa, played on a standard table with the objective being to pocket the balls in a specific order, similar to eight-ball.
10 Ball: A popular cue sport where players use a cue ball and ten numbered object balls (1-10). The goal is to pocket the 10-ball to win. Shots must be called, and players must hit the lowest numbered ball first.
Artistic Pool: A discipline focused on executing creative, challenging shots involving tricks, curves, and obstacles. Points are awarded based on technical difficulty, execution, and artistry.
National team coach, Paul Mutizo, a highly decorated figure in Zimbabwean pool, is committed to elevating the Fish Eagles' performance.
He has called for increased financial backing for the team.
“We are grateful for the support we always receive from sponsors but we do need more financial backing to ensure that we have access to top-notch equipment and travel opportunities now that we have been signed this treasured national duty,” Mutizo said.
“To our sponsors and government, we hope you will back us as we strive for excellence.”
Mutizo also specifically appealed to figures like clergyman Emmanuel Makandiwa and Wicknell Chivhayo to prioritise resourcing and branding the national team.
“I want to assure the sponsors and the nation at large that the pool national team (Fish Eagles) is going to be the source of their renewed joy, spills and thrills in sports as we are going to trounce our opponents mercilessly on the billiard table with me on the orchestra, so do not hesitate to resource us,” Mutizo added.
The coach’s plan involves intensive training, focusing on foundational techniques, strategies, and mental preparation, with an emphasis on endurance, accuracy, and tactical play.
Challenge matches are slated to begin in the first week of December 2025, followed by a camp in Harare for final preparations.
“My vision is to create a winning national team hence the motto 'We Win Away - We Don’t Lose at Home',” Mutizo said.
He looks forward to the impact of experienced players like Muzarurwi and Jimu, who have competed in high-level tournaments globally.
He also targets recruiting young talent, believing they are quick to adapt to modern game plans and techniques.
A veteran of the game, 45-year-old Mutizo brings 27 years of playing experience, having won eight out of nine league titles as captain of King's Pool Club in Bulawayo and claiming the Bulawayo Pool Master title six consecutive times.
He has an impressive collection of 40 medals and three trophies and achieved 4th position in Africa in the 2025 Queens International Seniors Pool category.
Pool continues to make a positive contribution to the country, notably by attracting and diverting the attention of youths toward a noble cause, helping in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Zimbabwe men national pool team - Fish Eagles :
Blessing Muzarurwi (Mashonaland Central), Craig Nkala (Bulawayo), Pakanati Jimu (Harare), Stanley Ngwenya (Bulawayo), Ronald Kazembe (Harare), Stephen Paswani (Matabeleland South), Charles Mariano (Chitungwiza) and Brian Mugabe (Chitungwiza).
Zimbabwe women pool national team:
Christine Sengwe (Harare), Flatta Moyo (Bulawayo), Rosemary Marasha (Midlands), Enviolatta Bangamuseve (Harare), Abigail Peresu (Masvingo), Erica Manyangadze (Harare), Thabiso Chikono (Midlands) and Placky Machipisa (Mashonaland Central)
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