Local youths chalk up for pool champs
|Published
A TALENTED team of Lentegeur youths, already household names in their area, are preparing to make their way to Mpumalanga for South Africa’s National Pool Championships. A TALENTED team of Lentegeur youths, already household names in their area, are preparing to make their way to Mpumalanga for South Africa’s National Pool Championships.
Five local youths are preparing to head off to Mpumalanga to take part in the National Pool Championships.
Hailing from Lentegeur in Mitchell’s Plain, Abduragmaan Williams, Lemar Rosant, Keathan Alexander, Kyle van der Ventel and Joshua Jansen will play for the grand title against 50 other teams.
Coach Mansoor van der Fort said he was confident his team would do well.
“My boys are fully committed. Ever since day one I told them if pool does not interest you, find some other sport that will. The best thing sport can offer you is discipline and a clear mind,” Van der Fort said.
Aged from 11 to 15, the team, Deadstrokes, have gone on to become a household name in the area.
The competition will take place at the Pienaardam Leisure Resort in Middelburg from September 21 to 27.
“It is an opportunity that will take you places. These kids are extremely lucky to be part of such a great initiative.
"More than anything I believed in them. Look how far we’ve come. Never in my life have I heard of a child in our community going to places outside of the Western Cape region,” Van der Fort said.
The team started out with 20 players, a number that was whittled down to the top five.
Van der Fort said community involvement was crucial to the team's morale and success.
He said to take the team to Mpumalanga was expensive so he has asked the public to assist financially.
“I did not grow up with much, but my mother wanted me to have what other children had.
"You can have plenty of money in the world but it means nothing when you do not share the little you have. For as long as I am able to share, I will always be blessed. Life is simple. The choices you make will determine whether you win or lose,” Van der Fort said.
Anyone who would like to help can contact Van der Fort on 072 931 8303.
Cape Times