The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
IT could very well be one of the most ignorant, futile and time-consuming arguments, but when it comes to cue sports, particularly pool and snooker, their eligibility as a “sport” has often been called into question.
And, as a Zimbabwean, it is an argument former national pool champion, Priscilla Chisoro, knows all too well.
“Casually, I started playing pool back in 2007, but turned professional in 2014,” said the former St Dominic’s High pupil.
“While at school, my main sports were netball and swimming, and I even once travelled to South Africa with the netball team. Sadly, I didn’t take either sport beyond school level as once I was introduced to pool, I never looked back.
“I just found it amusing once I took an interest in it, and really enjoyed it.”
Since becoming professional, she has managed to carve out a remarkable success story. “Pool is an intellectual game and gets you to apply your mind and your physical skill (potting). I started playing professionally in 2014, joining a local club in Bulawayo, and in 2015 I got into the national team and ever since then, I have been part of Team Zimbabwe. I have travelled to Lesotho, South Africa and Uganda for national team events — namely, the AAPA (All-Africa Pool Association) games — and we even hosted the tournament back in 2017.
“I won the CBL national ladies champion title and had some success in Zambia and Botswana in individual tournaments.
“Some of my most cherished highlights have been travelling to different countries, meeting and mingling with people from diverse cultures and seeing how pool unites us all.” Unfortunately, with all the success comes the stigma, both of the sport and being a woman in the game.
“There is, in some instances, a negative connotation and stigma of women who play pool, as some think it is a mere bar sport. My wish is for people to realise that although tables may be found in bars, it goes beyond that and there are some non-alcoholic pool halls.
“I have since learnt to ignore those who think negatively about pool, and instead just try to do my best and bring it into the mainstream,” she said.
The coronavirus pandemic has not made life any easier. A fortnight ago, Chisoro had to go it alone for the recent trip to Zambia for the East and Southern African individual tournament after Zimbabwe failed to send a full team for the annual event.
“The pandemic had a great impact on our trip, with most of our players failing to go due to the lockdown restrictions,” said event coordinator Francis Mukwekwe.
“One was required to use air travel, and the only one person who could afford that was Priscilla (Chisoro).
“With support from the corporate world and better sponsorships in the future, such things can be avoided,” he said.
Chisoro bowed out of the tournament in the first round, but still views the trip as a success.
“I didn’t perform well, as I was unfortunate to have been drawn against some of the toughest and most competitive ladies on the continent.
“While I lost out in the first round, I view the trip as a learning experience.
“I now know what I need to do to improve my game and hope to match-up Africa’s best in due time,” Chisoro said.
“The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown affected the participation and numbers at the tournament.
“Countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Swaziland and Rwanda all failed to send in their full teams.
“The pandemic continues to haunt us still as we have not been able to either train or play due to the lockdown and suspension of sport. And it is a step back to the plans and developmental programmes that we as pool people had put in place for the last nine or so months,” she said.
