As the Nevsun Premier Pool League (NPPL), in partnership with RubberCity, enters the final stages of the RubberCity Mid-Season Tournament, the last 8 teams are set to battle it out in what promises to be an epic showdown. After a competitive group stage, only the best remain, with each team eyeing the ultimate prize. It’s no longer about just making it through—it’s about survival, dominance, and claiming glory.

 

Notably, RubberCity has increased the sponsorship prize money from $1,000 to $1,500, adding even more excitement and stakes to the tournament. The tournament will be hosted by Leisure Centre and is scheduled to take place in the first week of November 2024. This knockout stage will see the remaining teams fight tooth and nail for the prestigious RubberCity Mid-Season Cup. Captains are rallying their troops, and the excitement is palpable as the quarter-finals approach.

 

Here’s what the captains had to say ahead of the quarter-final clashes:

 

Elusion 73 Captain Dzotsa’s Battle Cry:

 

"RubberCity Mid-Season Tournament, here we come! As Elusion's captain, I promise you one thing: we're not here to play nice. We're here to dominate. To my teammates, gear up! We've put in the work, now it's time to unleash hell. Every match, every play, every second counts.

 

To our fans, expect nothing but victory. We'll give everything to make you proud.

 

To our opponents, you're in our crosshairs. Underestimate us at your own peril. We'll outmaneuver, outplay, and outlast you. Elusion's on a mission. We won’t back down. We won’t apologize. We’ll take the trophy, and we’ll make our mark. Let's go to war, Elusion!"

 

Elusion’s journey thus far has been marked by sheer determination and focus, with Dzotsa’s leadership setting the tone for a fierce quarter-final showdown.

 

 

Benji Aruna, Megga 1 Captain, Eyes Redemption:

 

"We are promising a win though we have a tough quarter-final game against Leisure. We are prepared, and it's time we redeem ourselves for the league game we lost at Leisure Centre. If we happen to get over Leisure, I believe we can defend the title, but it’s not going to be an easy road."

 

Megga 1 enters the knockout stage with unfinished business, looking to avenge their previous defeat and claim the trophy.

 

King Alfred, BnB Ruwa Captain:

 

"We as BnB Ruwa are happy to be in the last 8. Me and my players know the competition is very tough, but we are going to fight for first position."

 

With confidence, BnB Ruwa is set to go all-in, with their eyes firmly on the top prize.

 

 

Leisure Centre Captain Delete’s Confidence:

 

In true captaincy fashion, Delete, also known as Stanly Marko, keeps it simple and sharp: "More chalk, less talk. My SG won to host the tournament; I will also win the tournament. Leisure Centre—the best club in the world!"

 

Leisure Centre is one of the tournament’s top contenders, and with Delete at the helm, they remain a formidable force.

 

Prince, Players Captain, Ready for Pahukama:

 

"I’m ready to face Pahukama Pool Club. I’m confident that our road ahead is smooth."

 

Prince’s confidence shines through as Players gear up to take on a strong Pahukama side.

 

Pahukama Captain Tanaka’s Fiery Words:

 

"Ndine ma fireworks, andakaudza vakomana kuti iyi yamari iyi. We are ready for any team, and there is no doubt it’s our win."

 

Pahukama enters the quarter-finals with no intention of slowing down, ready to light up the stage and grab victory.

 

Wezha, BnB Magafa Captain, Hungry for the Trophy:

 

"As the season started, our main aim was to win RubberCity and make it to the top. Our club is hungry for a trophy, and this is our moment, so we are well prepared for whoever comes our way."

 

BnB Magafa is clear about their ambition, and their hunger for success will be on full display.

 

Marshmello, UZ Vikings Captain, Up for the Challenge:

 

"Yes, we know we are going to face the big boys, but we are ready to give it our all."

 

UZ Vikings may be the underdogs, but Marshmello’s resolve shows they’re not backing down from the challenge.

 

Words from NPPL Chairman, Benjamin Funani aka Mudhara Benji:

 

"I want to thank the sponsor for the unwavering support to NPPL. We encourage everyone within NPPL to think RubberCity when buying tyres—let's support those who support us.

 

To the teams still competing, I urge professionalism to prevail over the need to win at all costs. Let's all make NPPL the brand we want. May the best team win!"

 

The NPPL chairman’s words highlight the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork as the tournament enters its final stages.

 

The Last 8 Teams:

 

1. Leisure Centre

 

2. Elusion 73

 

3. BnB Ruwa

 

4. Megga 1

 

5. Players

 

6. BnB Magafa

 

7. UZ Vikings

 

8. Pahukama

 

 

 

With the final stage to be hosted at Leisure Centre, and the remaining teams raring to go, the NPPL community is abuzz with excitement. The knockout round is a true test of resilience and skill, with each team leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the RubberCity Mid-Season Cup. And with the prize pool now standing at $1,500, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

 

With the support of RubberCity and the dedicated efforts of all involved, this promises to be one of the most thrilling tournaments of the season. Who will rise to the challenge and claim the RubberCity Mid-Season Cup? Stay tuned as the drama unfolds!

 

Written by Dennis Marume, NPPL Correspondent