For decades, the sounds of pool being played have been a staple of life in Macassar, but the setting for the sport has often been far from ideal.
Traditionally played in backyard shebeens and informal corners, the game has inadvertently exposed young players to various negative social elements.
To reclaim the sport and provide a safe haven for local talent, the Helderberg Pool Union (HPU) and the South African Council for Cue Sports (SACCS) development arm, Pool4Change, are launching a groundbreaking school league to move the sport into a structured, disciplined environment.
The project, which aims to shield young people from the scourges of alcohol, drugs, and gangsterism, is officially recognised by the Department of Basic Education as an extra-mural sports code.
Adiel Rhoda, PRO of the HPU, emphasises that the initiative is about creating a “safe space” where the youth of Macassar and Firgrove can develop their skills and excel without the risks of negative exposure.
By bringing the sport into schools, the union hopes to provide a professional path for a pastime that has long been a community favourite.
With roughly 200 learners already registered, the league is set to include a wide range of local institutions, including Macassar and Zandvliet secondary schools, along with Macassar, Marvin Park, False Bay, Oklahoma Street, and Firgrove primary schools.
False Bay Primary School will serve as the initial hub for daily inter-school competitions, which are scheduled to begin in conjunction with the start of the second school term in 2026.
‘Potential for success proven’
“Support for the league is already mounting, as professional pool tables secured through a development project at Sascoc are expected to be delivered by mid-February,” said Rhoda.
He explained that the league will cater to both boys and girls across the under-14 and under-18 age categories.
For the most talented players, the road leads directly to the national stage.
“The programme is designed to prepare teams for the National School Pool Championships in Durban during the September and October holidays, as well as the South African National Championships in Potchefstroom in June,” said Rhoda.
Participants will represent the Helderberg Pool Union, providing them with the opportunity to earn prestigious provincial honours for their achievements.
The potential for success in Macassar is already proven by local legends like Ashley “The Machine” Daniels. A lifelong resident who began his journey at age eight, Daniels has since become a world-ranked player, reaching number 10 junior in the world in 2014 and representing South Africa at the world championships in England as recently as 2024.
Similarly, rising star Tashrique Pietersen has demonstrated the sport’s power, winning the under-15 Blackball Championship in 2025 and securing national doubles titles.
Reagan Smith, the current under-23 number one ranked player in South Africa, will compete at the world championships in Morocco in June this year.
For these athletes, pool has been more than a hobby; it has been a vital focus that has kept them away from harmful influences.
Whilst the foundation is set, the HPU is now appealing to local businesses and the surrounding community to join hands in the project.
Funding is urgently needed to cover transport, player apparel, and administrative expenses as the union looks to use this Macassar initiative as a blueprint for expansion into Strand, Somerset West and Grabouw in 2027.
๏ฎ Interested sponsors are asked to contact Adiel Rhoda on 076 112 9423 or via email on adiel.rhoda@gmail.com.
๏ฎ Keen students wishing to join the league are encouraged to contact their respective school sports coordinators to secure their place in this historic development.
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