Harare, Zimbabwe – The Carling Black Label National Pool Tournament regional qualifiers concluded on June 27, marking another milestone in the growth of the sport across Zimbabwe. This year’s edition expanded to 31 regions, drawing enthusiastic participation from players, fans, and local communities.

While the tournament showcased heightened professionalism and skill among competitors, the most striking development was the continued rise in women’s participation. Organizers noted consistent year-on-year growth in female involvement, a trend that is reshaping the traditionally male-dominated sport.

Kundayi Mawema, Marketing Manager for Delta Beverages’ Lagers Business Unit, praised the progress:

“We are proud of the growth we continue to see in the sport. The rising participation, especially among women, reflects passion and commitment from players across the country.”

Carling Black Label has made inclusivity a central pillar of its pool initiatives, encouraging more women to take part and ensuring equal opportunities within the community.

Beyond the competition, the tournament delivered economic benefits to host communities, boosting local traders and businesses through increased foot traffic.

The journey now heads to Masvingo, where the national finals will be staged on July 11, 2026, with 80 finalists—men and women—vying for the championship title. Prizes include cash rewards of up to US$2,500 and a pool table for the winner. In addition to the grand prize, the tournament will also reward the runners-up. The player finishing in second place will receive USD 1,500, the third-place winner will take home USD 1,000, and the fourth-place competitor will earn USD 500. This ensures that outstanding performances across the top four positions are recognized and celebrated.

With free entry for the public, the finals promise a vibrant atmosphere, celebrating not only the sport’s growing popularity but also the empowerment of women who are increasingly claiming their place at the pool table.

Champions deserve a champion beer.

Arsenal secured their place in the Carabao Cup final after defeating Chelsea 1–0 in the second leg of the semi-final at the Emirates Stadium. The victory sealed a 4–2 aggregate win for the Gunners, booking their first domestic cup final appearance since 2020.

The reigning Premier League leaders will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final, scheduled for March 22, 2026, at Wembley Stadium.

Arsenal’s disciplined performance ensured they held off Chelsea’s late pressure, with the decisive goal in the 97th minute by Kai Havertz proving enough to send Mikel Arteta’s side through to a much-anticipated showdown at Wembley.

Zimbabwe’s AFCON 2025 journey came to an end after a 3–2 defeat to South Africa in their final Group B match at Marrakech Stadium on Monday.

The loss confirmed the Warriors’ exit from the tournament, as they finished bottom of the group and missed out on a historic first qualification to the Round of 16.

South Africa made a fast start, testing Zimbabwe early through Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule. Their pressure told in the seventh minute when Tshepang Moremi’s shot deflected off Divine Lunga and found the back of the net.

Zimbabwe responded well and slowly grew into the contest. Tawanda Maswanhise was a constant threat and capped his performance with a fine solo goal in the 19th minute, beating three defenders before calmly slotting past Ronwen Williams to make it 1–1 at the break.

South Africa took control early in the second half and regained the lead after Lyle Foster capitalised on a loose header from Lunga and finished confidently. The Warriors kept pushing and were unlucky when Maswanhise struck the post from close range.

Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Aubrey Modiba turned the ball into his own net after Williams blocked Maswanhise’s effort, bringing Zimbabwe level again.

Zimbabwe had a late chance to take the lead, but substitute Macaulay Bonne was denied in a one-on-one by Williams. Moments later, South Africa were awarded a penalty after Marvelous Nakamba was adjudged to have handled the ball, and Appollis converted from the spot to seal the win in the 81st minute.

The result saw South Africa advance to the Round of 16 alongside Egypt. Angola finished third in the group with two points following their draw with Egypt.