Primrose champion Nicola Rossouw shines on international heyball stage
The celebrated pool player and recovery advocate is set to represent South Africa as she works to grow the sport and support young players in her community.
In a groundbreaking moment for South African sport, Nicola Rossouw has made her mark in the growing world of heyball, a game gaining momentum both locally and internationally.
In July last year, Rossouw travelled to Poland to represent South Africa alongside other African nations. This month, she will compete in the 2025 African Heyball Open from November 27 to 30 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
A multi-time South African pool champion, Rossouw is also a passionate advocate for a drug-free country. She regularly shares her journey of being 25 years sober as a recovering drug addict, using her story to inspire others.
Rossouw’s impact goes beyond competitive sport. She is dedicated to nurturing new talent, working with youth at the Primrose-based Flames Pub and Grill.
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Her passion lies in teaching young players the game of pool while spreading awareness about the dangers of drug use.
She believes there is little exposure for heyball in the country and would like to change that, and hopefully attract the right sponsors.
“Last year, despite the obstacles, the South African team made it to the semi-finals, marking a significant achievement for the sport. I began playing at nine years, but faced a tough battle with addiction starting at 11, which nearly derailed my life.
“My love affair with drugs destroyed another 11 years of my life,” she confessed.
“It took years to realise that drugs were her worst enemy, not a friend.”
With 25 years in recovery, Rossouw has transformed her passion for pool into a powerful tool for healing, serving as a motivational speaker and recovery coach for over 18 years. She is now dedicated to teaching young players the fundamentals of pool and nurturing their personal growth.
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Through her NPO, Nicks Motivation, Rossouw has focused on recovery support, awareness and prevention workshops, motivational talks, referral pathways, peer support, and coaching.
While she recognises the need for greater exposure for heyball in South Africa, she remains optimistic about the sport’s future and her role in its development.
As a player, coach, and motivator, Rossouw embodies resilience and determination, inspiring future generations in South Africa’s sporting landscape.
To contact her, email [email protected] or phone 081 422 2950.
