Pool not a pub game, the message from Aapa

The fifth edition of the continent’s premier pool competition, the All Africa Pool Association (Aapa) Championship got underway on Wednesday night in Blantyre with hosts Malawi Pool Association (Mapa) stressing that “pool is not a pub sport”.

“For us, the games will send a strong statement that pool should not be taken as a pub game. It is like any other sport. Through these games, Mapa would like to popularise the sport by involving the youth, especially girls,” Mapa vice-president Chikondi Mbewe said in his speech at Robin’s Park.

“Let me also make it clear that we will not spare any team standing in our way. This is not intimidation. We have prepared well and we will teach you a lesson; we are at home. In the previous editions, we finished eighth and third and now you can guess what will be next,” said Mbewe.

He was addressing a gathering of the five participating teams, including Tanzania, Zambia, holders South Africa and Lesotho, dignitaries such as guest of honour Ministry of Youth and Sports principal secretary Justin Saidi, director of sports Jameson Ndalama, Local Organising Committee chairperson Mbachazwa Lungu and Aapa president Saths Reddy.

Mbewe also made a special mention of Mapa former president James Chiutsi, under whose tenure around 2008, Malawi made a successful bid to host the competition.

Lungu bemoaned visiting teams’ late confirmation of participation whereas Reddy apologised over South Africa’s late arrival, which led to delay of the opening ceremony.

“What is special with this championship is that we have introduced a ladies’ category for the first time. That tells us that we are not gender insensitive and that we believe in transformation. I was also amazed when I walked into this building. Congratulations to Mapa on providing us this magnificent venue,” said Reddy.

Declaring the games open, Saidi said government has sponsored the hosting of the event because it is committed to having pool grow and that government treats all sporting codes as big in their own rights.

“The championship offers you an ideal chance to measure up your skills against your peers from Africa. In the same vein, I urge you to represent your countries with pride yet with humility,” Saidi said.

After the opening speeches, games started at around 9pm with South Africa men and ladies teams showing their intent on title retention by finishing top on the night. Malawi ladies finished second. Zambia men also ended the night on second place.