Breaking Barriers with Every Shot: National Ladies Pool Championship Debuts in Potch
- Karen Scheepers
- May 5
- 2 min read
A historic moment for South African cue sports unfolded this week as Potchefstroom proudly hosts the National Ladies Pool Championship for the first time in the tournament’s history. The championship, organised by Pool South Africa, began on Sunday, 4 May, and runs through to Friday, 9 May, drawing top female players from across the nation to compete at the Madiba Banqueting Hall.
Potchefstroom Becomes a First-Time Host
This marks the inaugural hosting of the event in the North West Province, and more specifically within the JB Marks Local Municipality. The move is seen as both a sporting and symbolic milestone, as women athletes take center stage in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Local government officials were present to welcome the delegation. Mr. Jappie Fransman, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Executive Mayor, represented the municipality at the opening ceremony. In his address, he conveyed the city’s pride in hosting the championship and emphasized the importance of promoting inclusivity and excellence through sport.
A Platform for Women's Sporting Excellence
The National Ladies Pool Championship is more than a tournament, it is a celebration of rising female talent in cue sports. With players representing provinces and clubs from across the country, the event promises a showcase of precision, strategy, and composure under pressure.
“The enthusiasm and skill we’re seeing this year reflect just how far women's pool has come in South Africa,” noted Mr. Neville Davids, President of Pool South Africa, during his speech.
Future Partnerships in the Pipeline
Mr. Davids also thanked the municipality for its support and the use of its facilities, calling the partnership a promising start. He revealed that Pool South Africa is eager to return to Potchefstroom next year, provided both parties move forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to solidify ongoing cooperation.
Such an agreement would lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration, enabling Potchefstroom to continue growing as a national hub for cue sports, while also opening doors for youth development and local economic stimulation.
Economic and Social Impact for Potchefstroom
With the championship drawing players, coaches, supporters, and officials from around the country, local businesses, particularly in hospitality, catering, and tourism, are set to benefit from the increased foot traffic.
Sporting events of this caliber also serve to inspire local youth, particularly young women, by showing them viable pathways in professional and competitive sport.
A Cue for Change
This championship stands as a landmark moment for gender representation in sports and an example of what can be achieved through intentional partnerships between municipalities and national sporting bodies.
As the players line up for each shot, they’re not just aiming for trophies, they’re helping to redefine the face of competitive sport in South Africa.
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