‘Siziba’, ‘Bhubesi’ out, REPS stars shine
EZULWINI - It was a final between teammates in the Manzini Pool Hall Singles Knockout final last Saturday.
After big names in ex-Way Inn and national team star Zweli ‘Siziba’ Dlamini and in form Way Inn and national team star Nathi ‘Bhubesi’ Sihlongonyane crashed out, it was a chance for youngsters Khanyo Simelane and Siyabonga Dlamini to fight for the honours.
The latter two play for Dixie’s International Pool League two-time champions Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Pool Team.
‘Siziba’ was knocked out even before the knockout stage, while ‘Bhubesi’ bowed out in the semi-finals, after he was stunned by young Malkerns star, Bayanda Magagula in the quarter-finals with a 5-2 margin.
Also crashing out among the renowned stars was Eddie Mkhonta, who lost 3-7 in the semi-finals to eventual champion Siyabonga Dlamini.
Doubles
Runner-up Khanyo beat Bayanda 7-3 in the last four to set up a final against his teammate and doubles partner.
It was a one way final as Khanyo raced to a 7-2 win to lift the title, pocketing E 1 200 cash, gold medal and a trophy, while Siyabonga took home E800 and a silver medal. In third place for the bronze and E500 cash prize was Bayanda while Eddie took the fourth spot with the same cash prize.
From fifth to eighth, the winners got E300 consolation prizes each. At least 64 entrants participated in the tournament played last Saturday at the eight-pool tables arena - the new Manzini Pool Hall.
One of the coordinators of the tournament in top Eswatini National Team player and All Africa Pool Association
1. Khanyo Simelane - E1 500 + gold medal + trophy
2. Siyabonga Dlamini - E800 + silver medal
3. Bayanda Mgagula - E500 + bronze medal
4. Eddie Mkhonta - E500
5. Sonic Dlamini - E300
6. Nathi ‘Bhubesi’ Sihlongonyane - E300
7. Siyabonga Dlamini - E300
8. Eddie Mkhonta - E300
(AAPA) ranked Sithembiso ‘Dodge’ Matsebula affirmed the results.
He was among those who did not make the podium stage on the day as the youngsters took over.
However, Siyabonga and Eddie had double entries and were both able to play both entries into the knockout stage. In the quarter-final draw, they were drawn against themselves, which meant an automatic semi-final spot. This saw them take home E800 each in total.