Help Merebank pool player compete at championships

FOR more than three decades, Mahendra ‘Guyjie’ Naidoo, has had a passion for playing pool, a cue sport, and is not stopping anytime soon.

The 45-year-old of Merebank, who already has several notches to his belt, is hoping to add more after he was selected to be part of the KZN team that will be participating in the South African Blackball Pool Championships.

The championships, whereby teams from all provinces compete against each other, is set to take place at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg, from May 8 to June 7.

Naidoo, a member of Team Loose Pockets and Captain, which plays under the Renaissance Sports Club said, while he was amped to have been selected, his only challenge is to raise R14 000 by May 7.

“Sadly, it is a struggle to raise funds for when we have to go for trials or to compete during the championships. But, I have to keep trying as this is an opportunity I don’t want to miss. The cost includes the transport, accommodation, food, entry fees and other sundry expenses,” he said.

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Naidoo, a telephone trainer and technical support consultant, said his passion for pool started at age 11.

“I would often play at the game shop in our area. I found it to be a very interesting sport and it also kept us away from mischief. When I was 16-years-old, I started to play league pool at the then-Pool City in the Jacobs area. I had the honour and privilege to meet some of South Africa’s best pool players such as the late Nick Zulu, Anton Klanfar, Jason Theron, Sandile Madlala, Mo Deedat and Grieta Steenkamp, to name a few.

“However, shortly thereafter I started to play league pool in The Bluff area, and that is when I got hooked to the sport. It makes me feel relaxed and happy. I also enjoy playing a sport I like, especially with people who do as well,” he said.

Naidoo said he hopes to play for the national team in the future.

“It would be nice to play professionally and get the opportunity to travel the world while doing something I love,” he said.

For more information on how you can assist, contact Naidoo on 073 142 0484.

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