Junior pool stars need your help

Seventeen South Coast learners are gearing up for the tournament of their lives. The youngsters, from several local schools, will represent KZN in a South African schools’ pool championship in Cape Town from October 6 to 10.

With only few weeks remaining, these aspiring learners need South Coasters to help them make their first tournament a reality.

Adding to the excitement for them was none other than Sharik Naidoo and his father Ivan, from Qbit Pool Academy based in Port Shepstone.

Ivan is the current 2025 SA Masters singles champion. Sharik is ranked tenth in the world in the U23 age category.
They have been selected to represent team SA at the upcoming World Blackball Championships.

Their initiative for children to take up pool was intended to keep children in a safe environment that is alcohol free.

The intention is to help them better engage and interact with their peers to build confidence, respect, discipline and understanding that go beyond the boundaries of race, religion and culture.

“Qbit’s goal is growing the sport among the youth and to get the sport introduced to more schools. Currently, the project is run together with Pool4change based in Cape Town,” said Ivan

The seven local primary schools representing KZN are Port Shepstone Senior Primary, Port Shepstone Primary, RA Engar Primary, Merlewood Primary, Hibiscus Primary, Jai Hind Primary and St Martin de Porres.

Qbit is responsible for the training and coaching. “Our future objective is to take the sport into all schools in KZN and to create our own school league. Through this process we hope to unearth talented players and to take the best possible talent to represent KZN in the national tournaments,” said Ivan.

The young pool players gathered at Dezzi Raceway last Saturday where local businessman Denver Pillay introduced Dezzi Raceway as one of sponsors.

“We have among us young talented youth that are focused on sport and are ready to represent the KZN South Coast. We call on other business houses and individuals to come aboard and help these learners dreams come true,” said Denver.

Players are as follows:
St Martin de Porres – Asbonge Mthabane, Kwanele Jali, Bamanye Pangwa, Onele Dosini and Zubenathi Mhlongo.
RA Engar Primary – Meluthando Mbonambi.
Hibiscus Primary – Lungelo Ntanjana and Aphiwe Ndamase.
Merlewood Primary – Blaque Chappen and Ayden Byrne.
Port Shepstone Senior Primary – Ethan Kisten, Yash Mevalal and Juran Naidoo.
Port Shepstone Primary – Alwande Cwele and Thubelihle Mtolo.
Jai Hind Primary – Kirav Singh and Sihaan Lanka.

For further details or donations contact Ivan Naidoo at 083 5848496.

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