World pool champion hails from Gamalakhe

Call a pocket and this pool champ will get it in.

Local sensation and recently crowned World BlackBall Pool champion, Senzo Gumede (39), hails from Gamalakhe and started playing pool in 1998, at the age of 16.

Through relentless dedication and utter passion for the sport, he won the World Blackball Pool champion in Morocco recently.

Senzo was introduced to the game by his friend Jimmy Ngobeni, and has not stopped playing since.

He loved every moment and initially every day after work he dashed off to his favourite hangout in Port Shepstone, to play with friends. He soon started a league in Gamalakhe and every Sunday the main prize was a sheep.

They had about six clubs vying for the main prize and Senzo’s freezer was well stocked after he won most of the games.

“It was tough when I started, money was a problem, but whatever I saved until every Friday, which was about R30, was enough to get me to Port Shepstone to play with some good contenders. I started playing league games in Port Shepstone at Que Masters, run by the late Selvan Moodley and Taxi Stop run by Ivan Naidoo. These were the places were I learned the game like a professional.”

Being unemployed, Senzo had to leave his home town and seek employment in Durban. While in Durban he continued to play pool, but it was tough. “These guys were too good for me and I left for Johannesburg to upskill my game. Here I improved and played like a champion.”

Senzo took part in several tournaments and was awarded nationally, taking home a number of trophies.

He took part in Opening Comp Opens Champion-Eightball, Pool South Africa Eightball Seniors Runner-Up, Blackball South Africa Blackball Men’s Runner-Up, to name a few, and in 2022 made it to the National Eightball Team.

Across his 23-year pool career he remained positive and was encouraged by his friends that one day he will be a champion. He obtained his South African colours after attending the All Africa Games in Uganda in 2016.

He represented South Africa at the 2022 BI World Blackball Championships in Tangier, Morocco from October 8 -15. Going to Morocco was not easy and funding was needed, but with the help of friends from Durban and Cape Town, he was able to attend.

“I just couldn’t believe it. It was the toughest contest as I won 6-5 to a player from England. I think I cried for an hour. ”

Senzo is currently unemployed, however is giving back to the community and coaching the marvellous game where he charges a fee to make a living.

“I wish our government can acknowledge how huge pool is and the talent in the country. If they could recognise the sport I’m sure South Africa will be one of the top countries in the world, ” said Senzo.

His next big tournament will be in Japan, competing in the World American Eightball championship. His final aim is to one day have a training centre, to train youngsters and get them off the streets.

“Well done Senzo, you have certainly done South Africa and the South Coast proud. All the best for the future,” said Ivan Naidoo from the South Coast Blackball Pool Association who acknowledged him at a prizegiving recently.

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