Pool table tournament launched

| Wednesday May 6, 2015 00:00

The tournament, the first of its kind, will be played across the country with the finals scheduled for September.

According to the coordinator, Marang Morolong the aim is to host the tournament annually.

The winner of the tournament will walk away P50 000 richer, with the second and third pocketing P16 000 and P10 000 respectively. The players who make it to the finals will each receive P1 000. Morolong explained that pool has the potential of being played professionally in the country and it has massive following.

“We are aware that pool is regarded as a bar sport, but we want to remove the tag and make people realise that in other countries the sport is played for a living. We have to work hard for that to happen. It cannot be an overnight thing,” he said.

Morolong said starting a tournament is not an easy task, as it requires a lot of logistical work. He said they had to work with different stakeholders on issues of venues and funding. The intention is, in the long run, to approach Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) to affiliate. He stated that the BNSC is tasked with controlling sports in the country and it is only advisable to be affiliates. He said the proposal would be done through the Botswana Billiard Board.

For the month of July, the tournament will be held in Kanye on the 11th, Molepolole 18th, Gabane 25th; and in August, Mahalapye on the 1st, Maun 15th, Palapye 22nd, Selebi-Phikwe 29th, and in September, Tlokweng 5th, Francistown 12th, Gaborone 19th and Jwaneng 19th.

The finals will be held at the Paddock restaurant in Gaborone on September 26. 

Morolong explained that 32 players will go into the finals and a knock out system will be used. He said each player would play three games.

According to Earth Africa marketing manager, Lizzy Maila participation fee is P350 and tickets will be sold at the venues. She said they are still negotiating with other potential sponsors. Maila said as an upcoming company, there are some challenges they had to overcome in organising the event.  She said they are hopeful players will respond in good numbers. Maila explained that the money that will be given to the finalists is meant to assist them to prepare for the finals especially that they would be coming from different areas.

“Earth Africa would bring cue sticks and the hosts will assist with playing tables,” she said.