Primrose pool star Jabu Ndlovu champions youth talent after rising from hardship
Once an Uber driver, Jabu Ndlovu turned his life around through pool. Now a local legend and coach at Flames Pub and Grill, he’s helping young players like Enrico Muller shine on national stages.
Jabu Ndlovu’s journey to becoming a skilled pool coach and player began unexpectedly. In 2019, after losing his job, Ndlovu joined Uber to make ends meet.
One night, he picked up a well-dressed passenger carrying pool sticks headed to Flames Pub and Grill in Primrose. Curious, Ndlovu struck up a conversation and learned about the passenger’s passion for pool. Intrigued, he visited Flames Pub and Grill to inquire about joining and was soon drawn into a community of talented players.
Since then, Ndlovu has racked up multiple Flames Pub and Grill titles, including the recent Singles League 8 ball championship. He humbly acknowledges struggling in his first league, but the caliber of experienced players around him served as motivation to hone his skills through dedicated practice. He began competing actively in 2020 and also joined the BSA.
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His hard work paid off between 2022 and 2025, as he became the Flames Pub and Grill Doubles League and Singles League winner. Beyond his playing career, Ndlovu has also ventured into coaching, nurturing young talent.
One of his promising protégés, Enrico Muller, recently competed in the 2024/2025 Junior SA Blackball Championships in Primrose.
Ndlovu believes Muller has the potential to become a world-renowned player, showcasing a bright future ahead. However, Ndlovu laments the challenges facing professional pool players in South Africa, noting that unlike in other countries, local players struggle to make a living from the sport.
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He advocates for government recognition of pool as a legitimate sport, citing the country’s talent and competitive prowess.
Muller is set to compete in the Eastern Gauteng Pool Association (EGPA) nationals in Potchefstroom. He credits his father with inspiring him to take up pool.
Reflecting on his debut at the 2024/2025 Junior SA Blackball Championships, Muller said, “It was my first BSA nationals’ competition, and I was nervous, but I had to push through.”
“Playing has boosted my confidence, and I’ve learned that losing is part of the game. It’s about learning and moving forward,” said Muller.
