The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) pool team was named champions of the National Metro Police Games at Flames Pub and Grill in Primrose.

Four teams competed at the Primrose venue for ultimate bragging rights. The Durban Metro Police Department entered the competition as defending champions, but finished third, while the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) finished fourth.

The EMPD clinched the title on Thursday, October 1, concluding the tournament that started on September 28.

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The Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) went toe-to-toe with the EMPD in the finals, eventually losing to the host team.

According to EMPD Inspector Patrick Pharoe, who is also the EMPD pool coordinator, the games started in 2004 and the host city rotates each year.

Pharoe said pool is a mental sport that helps participating officers clear their minds outside demanding work environments.

“The finals were contested against EMPD and TMPD in a thrilling match. The two have outbested everyone to stand head-to-head in the finals,” said Pharoe.

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“Heading into the finals, the EMPD was leading with 46 points and TMPD was second with 42 points, followed by JMPD and DMPD with 34 and 26 respectively.

“We like to extend our gratitude to the department’s leadership for allowing us this opportunity year after year to meet and compete. This strengthens our professional relationships so we can learn from each other,” he added.

Pharoe noted the next phase is to expand the tournament to include female officers, a conversation all parties still need to have following strong interest.

Pharoe grew up playing pool in his neighbourhood and turned to it as a sport when it was first introduced in the EMPD. He started as a player and progressed to coordinator, where he now nurtures new talent.

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“We also had the masters playing, best-of-three. Jakes Poobalan Parsiah of DMPD faced Happy Mosala of JMPD and won 3-2, walking away with the masters trophy sponsored by Flames Pub and Grill,” said Pharoe.

Flames Pub and Grill set up 20 tables for the registered players, sponsored a portion of the prize money, and provided lunch.

The venue hosts its own leagues throughout the week, including the Flames singles blackball league on Wednesdays, the doubles 8-ball league on Thursdays, the Blackball money league on Fridays, and the BSA league on Sundays.

Additionally, 16- or 32-player pool league competitions run on Mondays and Fridays, while the East Rand Gauteng Pool Association opens take place on Tuesdays, with the seniors competing on Wednesdays.