Harare — ZIMBABWE is hoping to make its presence felt in their debut participation at the All-Africa Snooker and Billiards championships in South Africa.

The team of five players and four officials left Harare on Monday by road for the competition that is going to attract 11 other countries from across Africa.

Hosts South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Mauritania, Zambia, Seychelles, Namibia, Cameroon and Malawi are expected to take part.

Emmanuel Rwizi from Gweru, Loius Mnyama of Harare, Leo Manyaya who plays for Mufakose and the Chitungwiza duo of Pearson Nyama and Tawanda Masimbira make up the team.

National Billiards and Snooker Association of Zimbabwe president Trust Chifadza is head of delegation while Fungai Nzombe will be one of the referees to officiate at the tournament.

David Gundumure is the team's welfare manager and Maxwell Mavhunga is the technical manager.

Chifadza believes that Zimbabwe has prepared well for the event.

"We have done our best in preparing for this and this is the first time that Zimbabwe has qualified to take part and I am confident we will do well," he said.

Chifadza said the competition was likely to be in groups for the first rounds before going into a knock-out phase.

"At the moment I am not sure about the draw but I think team will be in pools.

"After the round robin pools, it should be top finishers qualifying for a knock-out.

"We do not know our opponents yet until after the draw when we arrive there," he said.