Junior Blackball tournament set for Primrose
The event will see 99 junior players compete for national colours and a shot at international representation.
The Cue Sport Centre in Primrose will host the 2024/2025 Junior SA Blackball Championships from July 1 to 5.
This is the first time the tournament has been held in the Greater Germiston region.
The event will feature 33 teams (99 players) competing for national colours and the opportunity to represent South Africa at future international events.
The Cue Sport Centre is proudly run by Flames Pub and Grill, a hub for pool excellence and a strong supporter of sports in the area.
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According to the centre’s owner, Eddie Holder, setting up the facility took time and effort, but it is now a thriving venue that attracts top talent from across the country, including players who have competed internationally.
The centre hosts a range of competitions throughout the year, including the Flames Leagues, Singles 8-ball and Blackball Money League, Blackball South Africa (BSA) events, and a Ladies Blackball League.
These cater to all age groups, including juniors, seniors, masters, grandmasters and ladies.
With a focus on safety, especially for children, the centre maintains a secure environment separated from the pub area.
Whanita Jansen, who oversees the in-house leagues, holds a Safeguarding certificate, qualifying her to work with children.
Management has invested significantly in upgrading the facilities to meet required standards.
“We are also working to introduce pool to schools through the Pool4Change initiative, aiming to promote the sport among young people,” said Holder.
“The Eastern Cape already has successful programmes that engage youngsters in pool at a young age, taking them to pool clubs – an approach we hope to replicate.”
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The centre boasts 16 tables and has hosted notable events such as the Pool4Change Ekurhuleni school tournament. It has produced world and provincial champions, some of whom are sponsored by Flames.
“With a passion for the sport and commitment to its growth, the Cue Sport Centre is well equipped to host major tournaments,” said Holder.
He added, “We have produced players like Robbie Grace, who competed at the World 8 Ball Pool Championships in England, achieving two 174 snooker breaks and over 1,000 century breaks.
“Ryan Kisten, a four-time South African wheelchair champion and two-time winner of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Blackball Wheelchair Event, narrowly missed out on a 5-4 world final.”
“We are also affiliated with PSA, SABSA and SABF, among others,” Holder concluded.
