Pool veteran now making a greater impact in the sport
Veteran laments that pool still has a bad reputation of it being a tavern sport played by drunkards.
Sunward Park pool veteran Thabang Montjane was recently appointed as the new committee member of the Eastern Gauteng Pool Association (EGPA).
Montjane, who initially got involved with EGPA in late 2017 in a refereeing capacity, has already won four provincial colours from as many tournaments as an official.
In one of the tournaments, he was named the Referee of the Tournament during the 2018 SA Juniors 8-ball Pool Championships in Worcester, Western Cape.
Quizzed on his rapid ascension in the game, the qualified skills development facilitator said: “For one, it (the appointment) was a surprise because I’m basically brand new in the association and I’m excited.
“We’ll see how it goes because I’m yet to gain experience as a committee member. I’m excited to be able to make a difference.”
Montjane’s new role permits him as a full voting member of the committee to assist fellow members that have portfolios and to do his own projects that will add value to the association, to list a few.
His appointment arrives at interesting times for the association, which in addition to its 30th anniversary last year, appointed a new chairman as well in Johan van der Walt.
In addition, Montjane (49), was also named the Rookie Referee of the Year for 2018.
“I didn’t know I was a rookie until I won the trophy,” he joked.
“I think pool is a philosopher, it’s more than a game, it’s more than a sport. You have to think like you’re playing chess and you have to shoot like you’re playing soccer. It’s about strategising and implementing.
“Unlike your big sports like soccer and cricket, you don’t have to be good to enjoy it because it doesn’t discriminate. An eight-year-old can sort me out and I can sort a young man out.
The Advertiser will release this season’s important dates in due course, including trials dates.
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