Genevieve Plaatjies (36) from Nigel and a member of the South African Blackball Pool Federation has claimed first place in a recent women’s pool competition, an achievement she describes as both fulfilling and long overdue.

“Since I started playing blackball pool, I always finished in third place or lower. This year, I pushed myself because I wanted to be number one. “Practice really does make perfect. While I was playing, I could see that everyone was on point and giving their best. I had to push myself harder so my opponents could see the fire in me,” she said.

Plaatjies said her journey in the sport began when she was 16, when her father taught her to play.

“We played occasionally, and I didn’t take it seriously back then. When my dad passed away in 2015, I gave up playing pool. In 2018, a friend who saw me play referred me to the police blackball-pool group, and I didn’t even know such groups existed.

“At first, it was difficult because I had to learn the rules, and the ladies were very good. I had to play more to improve my game.”

Among the toughest matches in the tournament, Plaatjies said the Western Cape team stood out.

“Out of all the teams we played, the Western Cape team gave us a hard time on the table, but we managed to push harder and win.

“It is always best to practise more, but because of my work shifts, I try to practise twice a week or at least once. To play better, I need more time and more practice.

“Playing with men who know the blackball rules also helps me improve. I also play in the ladies’ league at Flames Pub and Grill in Germiston, which helps sharpen my game,” she said.

Plaatjies encouraged other women interested in the sport to embrace both its challenges and rewards.

“You have to love the sport and understand the advantages and disadvantages. Losing is never a good feeling, but you don’t give up because it is part of learning.

“There will always be players better than you, and you can learn from them. I would love to make the national team again and make South Africa proud.

“The upcoming tournament will be in George in April next year. I have to put in more hours of practice to become one of the best,” she said.