Orlando East woman to represent Mzansi in Blackball
The Soweto Championship winner who works as an administrator will be amongst 20 women selected in the country.
41-year-old Beatrice Monyake from Orlando East who has chosen to represent Mzansi at the World Blackball Championship is asking the public to assist in raising funds to be able to compete at international competition.
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The Soweto Championship winner who works as an administrator will be amongst 20 women selected in the country to compete for the top prize in this year’s World champs in Tangier, Morocco from 8-15 October 2022.
“I am so excited and honoured as it is the first time I’ve been selected for Blackball champs after all the attempts that I have tried over the years.
“It feels good knowing I may become the first black women who will be going through,” she told the publication.
The Soweto based Monyake started playing the sport in the Orlando East streets as a hobby and has gone on to win tournaments around the Gauteng province.
She has competed in Botswana and Swaziland with her most recent trip to the Africa Pool Championship Cup in Zambia earlier in year where she placed 5th.
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“People think pool is just a tavern spot but that couldn’t be truer. Even though it is not fully recognised, it is a professional sport.
The main challenge is finances because even if you reach a certain level, without the finances, there’s nothing that you can do because it is a very expensive sport since there is not funding from government.
“We want the Sports and Recreational portfolio, sporting committees to visit pool competitions, and championships then they will get to understand what the sport is about and actually invest,” she explained.
Monyake is also the current reigning champion of the Soweto women Pool championship, a title she won in 2021.
She told Urban News that she would need about R50 000 to cover visa, flight tickets, food and accommodation.
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“I am appealing to the government, private sector, business and individuals to assist. Tomorrow I might be the first black South African world champ, we will never know unless I take this chance,” she said.
“What I’m doing is to also set a standard for our black people.
“We are so scared to face challenges or go after our dreams, the upcoming players will see me and be encouraged that they too can go there and represent their country.
“I want to be an example so the people who will donate, will not be only assisting me but in the long run, the entire black community and people who love pool.”
Enquires or for information to assist Ms Monyake can be directed to Lebo Ramogase on 081 441 7488.
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