Pool players from Sakhile are ready to take on Harrismith

The Lekwa Pool Association (LPA) squad, comprising six representatives from six different pool teams, will compete in Harrismith on February 7.

According to association chairperson Wara Nkutha, the LPA was established in 2018 in Sakhile, with the Seven Stars, Brothers for Life, the Home Brothers, the Rack Lovers, the Fighters, and the Pool Fanatics as its founding affiliates.

After the teams were formed, they introduced regular competitions, where teams contributed money towards trophies and other logistics aimed at promoting the sport locally.

“We started with nine teams, but only six remain. The decline is primarily due to a lack of resources and support, as some people still see pool as something to do only when bored.

“In reality, it is a serious sport that takes concentration and focus, and it can help players grow and become champions,” Nkutha said.

He said the association aims to elevate the game and create opportunities for players to develop their talent. Nkutha also encouraged community members to form pool clubs, saying the sport can help combat crime and drug abuse in communities by keeping young people engaged in positive activities.

Teams rotate hosting matches every Saturday, competing for a floating trophy. A team must defend the trophy three consecutive times before permanently winning it.

The LPA is a registered entity and also caters for women.

Players Ntombikayise Ngcobo and Tina Tsotetsi said they chose to participate in pool despite it being male-dominated, as the game promotes discipline and mutual respect among competitors.

The winning team for the week is the Home Brothers, which reclaimed the cup from Seven Stars in the finals.

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