FIVE pool players from Amanzimtoti have been selected to compete in the South African Pool Championships in Bellville, Cape Town, from September 21 to 28.
These players, between the ages of 18 and 23, will represent KwaZulu-Natal in the junior division. The top performers at the tournament will have the chance to represent South Africa at the world championships.
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They are Mayen Tagat, Luke Grundy, Dylan Spires, Kian Botha and Gideon Stiglingh.
Pool South Africa’s Nicolene Müller, who is president of the Sapphire Coast league, said she is confident in the team.
“This is the first time in 10 years that we are sending a junior team to compete, which is a huge development for the sport. We are also planning to start an outreach initiative next year to form a development league for children in townships, further developing and growing the sport,” she said.
On July 21, they played at Mad Hatters to determine their rankings within the team.
Grundy, a South African motocross champion, said that pool is a family game he has always enjoyed. “The better I became, the more I felt motivated to take the sport further and compete. It’s my first championship so I don’t have any expectations as it’ll be more of an experience and opportunity to learn and grow,” he said.
Spires has been playing seriously for about two years, inspired by his father. He expressed a mix of nerves and excitement for his first pool championship, having previously played blackball pool. “This is something I really want. I want to give it my all in the hope of being selected for Worlds and making my father proud. I also love the joy, peace and fun of the sport,” he said.
Botha, who has been playing for six months, loves the community and camaraderie that the sport offers. He transitioned from playing socially to joining a league after realising his potential. “My goal is to go out there and win,” he said, adding that he is also part of nationals for blackball pool.
The trip is self-funded, and the team is seeking sponsorship or donations to support their journey. For more information, to donate or offer sponsorship, contact Nicolene Müller on 076 739 7420.
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