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REPS DIXIE’S POOL KO 2022 CHAMPS

27/04/2022 08:21:00 Chris Dlamini

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MALKERNS – They are the champions for the first time in the three years under Manzini Regional Pool Association (MRPA).

That is star-studded Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Pool Club, who lifted the Dixie’s International E10 000 Pool Teams Knockout 2022 edition. The final between the two sides was preceded by the semi-finals whereby, REPS shrugged off their toughest rivals among the four teams that were remaining, Manzini Masters in Malkerns at Stairs. However, REPS who boast among others decorated national team stars, Sibusiso Nhlabatsi and Sithembiso ‘Dodge’ Matsebula, proved too good for them as they raced to a 13-9 victory, before meeting Bhunya in the final. Bhunya are no stroll in the park, as they are one of the oldest teams in the league having been there since it was started four years ago. They are an experienced side but on the day, they were against a very tough side and lost 13-6 despite starting off well. They had convincingly outfoxed rookies Malkerns 13-7 in the semis.

The singles knockout preceded the teams with Nathi ‘Bhubesi’ Sihlongonyane, who had beaten the country’s champion of champions Zweli ‘Siziba’ Dlamini in prior to reaching the quarter-finals won the tournament. Siziba is another of the national team players from the recent All Africa Blackball Games 2022 in Zambia and also the reigning Eswatini Pool Champions League winner. Bhubesi defeated Sonic Dlamini 7-6 in a pulsating final that played a decider in the last frame, as they were both tied 6-6. Bhubesi had seen out Way Inn’s Sandile ‘Ngula’ Gama with a 7-2 win in the semis while Sonic humiliated REPS’ Xolane Mbingo 7-1 in the semis.

REPS Pool Club will pocket E4 000, a trophy and gold medals for their achievement, a make-up to last year’s shock defeat to Figaredo in the final. The runners-up will take home their silver medals and E2 500 in cash. Manzini Regional Pool Association (MRPA) Secretary, Musa Dlamini, congratulated all the winners and thanked teams for their behaviour throughout the knockout competition. The prize presentation, meanwhile, will be held simultaneously with the league at the end of the season. The league second round will resume on May 14 and Dlamini encouraged clubs to use the open registration window to strengthen their squads.