The ManicaPost
BOUYED by the ever increasing popularity of the game of snooker in the city, Mutare Pool League has set sights on engaging several corporates to use their platform in marketing their brands, while improving on revenue inflows for the league as well as individual clubs.
Fixtures for the 2017 season in the MPL start on February 19.
In a wide ranging interview, newly elected MPL chairman, Fungai Makoni, said his executive had lined up a number of activities aimed at improving the face of the league in the community.
The Catholic University of Zimbabwe lecturer, said the league was not reading too much into the recent formation of a breakaway league, Diamond Pool League, instead it is ample evidence of the growing popularity of the game.
“MPL plans to engage corporates for sponsorship through promotion of their brands. Of course, trust can be earned when there is absolute accountability and transparency.
“In my short stint with the league as former disciplinary committee member in 2016 season, I have not seen any sinister handling of funds or misuse thereof and this is what my committee will continue to implement, but of course improvements will be made such as inclusion of a season’s budget so that funds are used within lines of budget.
“MPL will strive to increase internal fund base through running various activities such as fundraising apart from fines and subscription fees.
At the end of it all the game of pool should win not individuals and their egos. Conducive and enabling environment should be the base for growth supported by professional, accountable and transparent handling of affairs of the game,” he said.
Makoni added that the league will soon make moves to strengthen its relationship with authorities in sports in the country. “Mutare Pool League aims at improving and enhancing the professionalism of the game.
This will be attained through deliberate inclusion of calendars for one man tournaments sponsored by liquor outlet proprietors.
“MPL seeks to strengthen its relations with responsible authorities such as the Sports and Recreation Commission and the parent Ministry. Leadership of MPL will undergo a leadership orientation conducted by SRC on a date to be advised. The league will also strengthen its relationship with the national association ZIPA (Zimbabwe Pool Association),” he said.
He applauded the inclusion of former chairman, Steven Chingwingwi in the new set up albeit with a different portfolio.
“We are heartened and privileged to have our former chairman, Steven Chingwingwi as the national treasurer. This means that he will be needed for advice and experience as an ex-officio member.
“MPL will implement resolutions made at the recent AGM, chief among them the need to spread the game to grassroots.
This shall be attained by formation of zones in areas like Chikanga, Sakubva and the CBD. If this succeeds, this means the game will have grown and competition will be there which will position MPL as a super league,” he said.
