Harare, 12 October 2024 — The highly anticipated National Referees Annual Tournament took center stage at Rubiks (Mangoma), Westlea, drawing some of the most skillful and competitive referees in the country to showcase their prowess on the pool table. The tournament featured a strong lineup of participants from various regions, with Harare and Bulawayo producing some outstanding talents.

 

The competition kicked off with a thrilling set of preliminary rounds, with each player demonstrating resilience and exceptional skill to advance. The tournament was structured as a Race to 4 format, and all matches were closely contested, reflecting the high level of competition. Players from various leagues and clubs, including notable names like M.Takawira, J. Mlambo, W. Chikasha, and E. Makonese, battled through the early stages, but it was the later rounds that truly brought the intensity.

 

Representing Harare, Dennis Marume, a standout referee and top player for Leisure Centre under the Nevsun Premier Pool League (NPPL), made a remarkable impression. Marume, showing both tactical acumen and composed shot-making, advanced through a challenging bracket to secure his spot in the finals.

 

In the semi-final, Marume faced Dziko, a formidable player from Bulawayo, in a gripping match that saw Marume come from behind to win 4-3, securing his place in the final showdown. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, anticipating a fiercely competitive final.

 

The final match between Marume (Leisure Centre, NPPL) and Dzenga from Bulawayo was nothing short of spectacular. With both players putting on a masterclass of precision, safety play, and break-building, it became a nail-biting affair. After trading frames, Marume found himself trailing 3-2 but displayed his tenacity and fighting spirit to level the match. However, in a dramatic last frame, Dzenga managed to clinch victory with a narrow 4-3 win, crowning him the 2024 National Referees Annual Tournament Champion.

 

Marume's runner-up finish, however, was a proud moment for Harare, his club Leisure Centre, and the NPPL. He was lauded for his remarkable performance, representing his league and city with pride and professionalism. This tournament has once again shown why Marume is regarded as a top competitor, both as a player and a referee.

 

Results Recap:

 

1. Champion: Dzenga (Bulawayo)

 

2. Runner-up: Dennis Marume (Leisure Centre, NPPL – Harare)

 

3. 3rd Place: Dziko (Bulawayo)

 

4. 4th Place: Mafemera (Harare)

 

The prize pool added excitement to the tournament, with the top 8 participants receiving various incentives, including cash prizes, cue sticks, branded t-shirts, and crates of beer. The champion, Dzenga, walked away with $164, a cue stick, four crates of beer, a T-shirt, and more. Marume, as the runner-up, claimed $102, a cue stick, three crates, and a CBL t-shirt—rewards that symbolized his admirable effort throughout the tournament.

 

The tournament's success has set the tone for future editions, with players and referees alike looking forward to next year's showdown. Congratulations to all the winners, and special commendation to Marume for representing the NPPL and Harare so valiantly. The National Referees Tournament is becoming a crucial fixture in the pool calendar, not just for referees but for all pool enthusiasts across the nation.

 

Reported by NPPL Correspondent.