Pool: 512 pool teams aim for cash prize in Meru tournament

Mark Wanjohi during Shuja wa Mtaa pool tournament in Nanyuki. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Pool enthusiasts are rubbing their hands with glee as Meru plans to host the Shujaa wa Mtaa pool tournament from March 11-14.

A field of 512 teams comprised of 1,024 players will converge at Gitoru Conference hall – Makutano in Meru to battle it out for a share of the Sh800,000 purse.

The winning team will get Sh500,000, runner-up Sh200,000 and third placed squad will pocket Sh100,000.

The challenge has attracted top pool sport players from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties with Kirinyaga and Embu players preparing for their turn next month.

“As Baze Yetu, we are taking the sport to the grassroots as we seek to inform and empower the youth that sports pays,” said Baze Yetu CEO Nick Mararo.

“Apart from cash prizes, team members will benefit from a group insurance cover.”

The tournament will be played using Blackball Pool rules under the World Eight-ball Pool Federation (WEPF), which is an international pool (pocket billiards) governing body overseeing international (principally British, Commonwealth, and continental European) tournaments.

The four-day extravaganza, which begins on March 11-14, will see players represent over 400 bases in the tournament.

A team of A-list entertainers has also been lined up to perform at “Baze Yetu Fest” which will be held at Meru Stadium.

Among them; Jua Kali, Kamanu, Samidoh, Jose Gatutura, Juliani, Shiro wa GP, Sir James, Florence Karani, Ben Githae, Man Kinyua and JaySoul.