Big win for cueist
Across his 26-year pool career he remained positive and was encouraged by his friends that one day he will be a champion.
Celebration was the order of the day for Gamalakhe’s Senzo Gumede as he was crowned the 2025 Blackball National Champion at Suncoast Casino last weekend.
“It’s amazing to win another title, as it was difficult in the final against Regan Reegz Elie. I put in a lot of time to get this title. I had to be strong and positive, and that has paid off. I only have God to thank for what has happened and what is about to happen going forward,” said Senzo.
The former world pool champion is off to Zimbabwe soon to take part in the Queens International Tournament.
Gumede (41) started playing pool in 1998 at the age of 16.
Across his 26-year career, he has remained positive and was encouraged by his friends that one day he will be a champion.
He obtained his South African colours after attending the All Africa Games in Uganda in 2016. Through relentless dedication and utter passion for the sport, he won the World Blackball Pool Champion in Morocco in 2022.
“What a true gentleman, a hero and role model to all, young and old. A true champion is not identified by how many titles he has but by how many times he has tried and failed and still triumphed. Senzo has been our previous world champion and is making huge strides in our cuesport world. He is well respected and feared among his fellow cueists. He is also dedicated to teaching the sport to our youth,” said Ivan Naidoo from the South Coast Blackball Pool Association.
According to Gumede, cue players don’t receive any funding. If anyone is able to assist, contact him on 073 4961347.
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