Two local pool players, Theo Moodley and Reolan Pillay, are gearing up to represent South Africa at the Hawley Cup in Bridlington in the UK in October.
The Hawley Cup, held every two years, is a prestigious international blackball event in honour of Peter Hawley. It will be held from October 11 to 20. Some of the countries that will compete include the UK, Australia, France, the US and Wales. Team South Africa has about 100 participants from different age groups.
Moodley, 28, who is self-employed and from Merebank, and Reolan, 17, a Grade 11 pupil at Merebank Secondary School, from the Bluff, share a passion for pool, which began at a young age.
They have both risen through the ranks, representing their province and now, South Africa.
Moodley, who is known for his skill and strategy, earning him the nicknames “The Underdog” and “Mr Snooker”, said he used to watch his dad and family play from the age of 3 and his dad, Mervyn, started teaching him how to play.
“I come from a family line of pool players who enjoy and share a deep passion for the sport. My dad is my coach and my mum is my biggest supporter. My late uncle Teddy Swaminathan was my dad’s coach, so playing pool is in our blood. I only began to play competitively five years ago.
“The trip to represent my country is an unmatchable experience. My heart is filled with joy and the team and I will try our utmost best to fly our South African flag high and bring home the gold,” said Moodley.
He added that his journey to the top had not been easy.
“I practise at home during the course of the week and I try to get as much table time as I possibly can. I have faced stiff competition along the way. However, my dedication and perseverance have paid off. I have earned a spot on Team South Africa and a chance to compete against the world’s best. I love the game. I’m happiest when I interact with fellow pool players."
Moodley has also earned some achievements in the sport, including a bronze medal in 2022 at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg, and a silver medal this year at Suncoast in Durban. Both were for the South African Blackball Pool Championships, where he represented KwaZulu-Natal.
His advice to aspiring pool players is to keep at the game.
“Every day is a learning lesson, and progress takes time. With dedication and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams, just like I have. If you love something, then keep at it and keep pushing yourself to the top.”
Reolan’s journey began in his grandfather’s backyard when he played with his family for fun at just 5 years old.
“Later, besides watching TV, the next best thing was to play pool. It was always fun because I played with anyone who wanted to play,” said Reolan.
He said his love for pool grew stronger and he started playing seriously at the age of 10.
“I just wanted to be the best at the sport.”
His talent and dedication quickly paid off. He earned a spot in the Blackball Competition at the Umfolozi Resort at the age of 11 in the under-15 age category, but he lost by one ball – and cried.
“I then vowed to master the game.”
He is a member of the Rack & Roll Club on the Bluff and plays competitively every week.
“My family, including my father, mother, and uncle, are avid pool players and are instrumental in my success. My father and uncle are always pushing me to enter competitions and I’m grateful for their support,” he said.
He said he qualified for the Hawley Cup in April this year.
“My dream is to represent South Africa and return with the Hawley Cup. I want to play pool on a global scale as a professional. As I prepare for the Hawley Cup, I am focused on practising and perfecting my game. Playing pool is a precision game. My play depends on what’s happening on the table.”
His advice to beginners is to learn the basics, get the right equipment, watch and learn, be disciplined, and stay calm throughout the game.
Other than pool, he hopes to be an entrepreneur.
The competition is self-funded and both players are hoping to raise enough to compete abroad.