Female pool player needs help to get to the UK
Jo-Anne Reynolds was introduced to the pool by her father. She achieved Mpumalanga Colours and also has Gauteng Colours.
Glen Marais resident, Jo-Anne Reynolds, hopes to make it big in the world of professional pool at the Europe Nations Cup in April.
Reynolds played in various pool competitions after she was introduced to the sport by her father when she was in primary school.
“I started playing with my father at a very young age and continued until 1996 when I was married, and the responsibilities of womanhood and parenting meant I had to stop playing.
“But I started playing seriously again in 2021,” said Reynolds.
Although Reynolds doesn’t usually play in competitions, she played league South African Blackball Federation and Pool South Africa (8 Ball) sanctioned under SASCOC as a bona fide sport.
She said the most challenging aspect of the game is to get people to understand that pool is a serious sport in which players can achieve Protea colours.
“Although our national federation South African Confederation of Cue Sport (SACCS) oversees the administration of our four recognised bodies SABSA (Snooker), PSA (8 Ball), SABF (Blackball) and Pool4Change(P4C) (Development), we receive very little funding from our government at the moment, although things are starting to look up for us.
“P4C has done a tremendous job and pool is now seen as a recognised school sport in Gauteng as well,” she added.
The development programme was rolled out in 90 schools across Gauteng, with more added in February.
In April, Reynolds will double up as the manager for the U18 squad going to the Europe Nations Cup.
“I loved the game from the first time I played. It was very much a social event in our family and my mother played as well. It was exciting and because it was not a physical game, I could compete with anyone.
“The table does not discriminate against anybody. When you play, you make friends, and these friends become family.
“The game can be played competitively or enjoyed socially by everyone,” she said.
Reynolds added that she was involved with junior development and wants children to see the reward for hard work, focus and dedication.
The SA team will field a host of women, men, veterans, masters and U15 and U18 teams that were selected from across South Africa.
“At this stage, we’re hoping not to end dead last. We are going up against some very skilled, talented and experienced players from Europe, Mexico and a few other countries.
“But we are South Africans. We will go and fly our flag high. If we can just make rank as women, I would be immensely proud.”
The excited player needs assistance to cover her travel fees.
“I need to raise approximately R50 000 to cover my accommodation, flights and food when I am in the UK. Donations will be greatly appreciated. It would be an honour to go and represent my country.”
Anyone who can assist Reynolds can contact her on 082 328 3722.
