Roseline Mutare
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Zimbabwe’s Eshca Chimbwanda, popularly known as “Mzamo” or “Zama Zama,” has emerged victorious in the highly competitive NEPAZ 2024 tournament held in Eldoret, Kenya.
The 23-year-old pool sensation from Mbare, Harare, defeated top players across Africa to claim the coveted title and a prize of US$11,600.00.
Chimbwanda, who plays for Island Cuestars in the Nevsun Premier Pool League (NPPL), demonstrated exceptional prowess in the single-elimination tournament, navigating through the brackets with ease. The tournament is managed by Kelvin Panganai, aka Kule veNyika, and sponsored by Mdara Nevsun of Nevsun Aggregates.
The tournament featured some of the best black ball pool players from Africa, including top shooters from Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, and Tanzania. Chimbwanda’s impressive performance saw him defeat opponents from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, before ultimately triumphing over Grieven Stenford from Malawi in the final.
Chimbwanda’s path to victory was not without challenges. He faced stiff competition from top players, including Maina Cyrus from Kenya, Felix Atanus from Tanzania, and Yassin Athumani from Tanzania, but the Zimbabwean pool star showed remarkable skill and composure, winning matches 8-6, 9-3, and 9-6, before ultimately claiming the title with a 9-6 win in the final.
The victory is a significant milestone for Chimbwanda and the Zimbabwean pool community and is expected to inspire a new generation of players in the country. Chimbwanda’s sponsor, Mdara Nevsun, has been instrumental in supporting the player’s development, including sponsoring a delegation of players to Kenya under the banner Nevsun Select.
