SportStroom: Willie Swart - From Small-Town Beginnings to International Jukskei Master
- Karen Scheepers
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In Episode 25 of SportStroom, The Go-To Guy sits down with none other than Willie Swart, a Jukskei icon and the only player from North West selected for the prestigious South African Masters team heading to Swakopmund, Namibia. What unfolds is a heartfelt and detailed conversation that traces Willie’s journey through decades of competition, the evolution of Jukskei, and what the sport still means to him today.
Early Days: Born Into the Game
Willie Swart's Jukskei story began in the small town of Bethal. At just four or five years old, he was introduced to the sport by his father and grandfather. With Jukskei in his blood, he and his brother quickly became immersed in the game. They played every chance they got, before school, after dinner, and on weekends. Even at school in Middelburg, they were surrounded by fellow Jukskei players. "Academics came second to Jukskei," Willie jokes.
From School Fields to Provincial Colours
After school, Willie continued playing casually while attending police college. It wasn’t until later in life that he returned to competitive play, representing teams like Griekwas and eventually settling in Potchefstroom to play for the North West. Through the years, he also played for the old Eastern Transvaal, making his mark across multiple provinces.
Golden Days and Stiff Competition
In the heyday of South African Jukskei, competitions were enormous. Willie recalls 18 tracks operating simultaneously during championship events. Every block was filled, and competition was fierce. He first earned Springbok colours in 1987 and fondly remembers competing in tournaments that demanded high skill and mental resilience.
Inside the Game: How Jukskei Works
For the uninitiated, Willie offers a masterclass in Jukskei scoring. Played in teams of four, players throw skeis at a target pin. A pin inside an 18-inch radius counts as one point, and a direct hit scores three. The game becomes mentally demanding as the score approaches 23, known as a "scoop," with penalties forcing resets and demanding strategic precision.
"It's a head game," Willie says. "You have to think for yourself and your opponent."
Equipment and Commitment
A Jukskei skei weighs around 1.8 kg, with newer players often using rubber versions that cost upward of R1,300. Though not commonly used today, some veterans like Willie have trained with steel skeis since the 1970s. He even only retired his original steel skeis in 2023!
Returning to the Sport After 30 Years
Willie returned to competitive Jukskei in 2024 after a three-decade break due to work and life commitments. Despite the long hiatus, his passion never waned. With sheer dedication, he worked his way back into shape and was honoured to be selected for the SA Masters team, proving that talent and discipline never age.
The Road to Namibia
Being selected for the SA Masters team means Willie will represent his country in Swakopmund, Namibia. The Masters tournament is a week-long event featuring national and private teams from South Africa and Namibia. Willie will face off against some of the best over-50s players on the continent, playing five matches a day.
While the tournament is thrilling, it comes with a personal financial burden. Willie is currently fundraising to cover his R13,000 tour costs.
A Game for All Generations
Jukskei is inclusive and intergenerational. Willie has played against fierce competitors like Willie Goosen and Anton Klaassen, and he’s watched the game evolve with new leagues for beginners, women, juniors, and seniors. Even players over 80 still compete!
The sport's accessibility and strategic depth make it appealing to newcomers and veterans alike. As Willie explains, "It might look easy, but it’s one of the hardest sports in South Africa."
Practice, Community, and Legacy
Willie now practices at the NG Kerk Potchefstroom-Bult with a fellow enthusiast. Their humble training ground is filled with tradition, laughter, and years of shared experience. Though he's the only Masters team member from North West, his sense of camaraderie with fellow players across the country remains strong.
More Than a Game
For Willie Swart, Jukskei is not just a sport,it's a way of life, a family tradition, and a platform for lifelong friendship and excellence. His selection to the South African Masters team is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and passion.
As he prepares to take the international stage in Namibia, Willie carries with him the pride of Potchefstroom, the legacy of his family, and the enduring spirit of Jukskei.
Watch the Afrikaans interview by clicking on the button below:
Comments