South African wins inaugural snooker title
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday November 3, 2015 14:11
Local events management company, Earth Life Africa organised the first ever snooker challenge.
Mthethwa won the tournament after beating Mathumo 3-2 in the final. He told Mmegi Sport yesterday the tournament was tough as every player wanted to walk away with the grand prize. He said he had to fight hard to snatch the title. The 24-year-old said he has been playing snooker from a young age and has never looked back.
“In the past I had someone who was guiding me, but currently I prepare on my own. I have participated in various championships such as the All Africa champion, South Africa championship and the Gauteng championship which I all won,” he said.
He said Batswana players have the potential as long as they could get proper guidance and facilities, as it is the case in South Africa where there were snooker clubs that helped professionalise the sport.
He said he has been appointed the tournament ambassador and would help organise the second edition.
The second-placed Mathumo said he was excited to have played the final against one of the best snooker players on the continent. He said beating Gumpo 2-0 to proceed to the final was a big achievement. Mathumo said he reached the final as an underdog, but did not let Mthethwa have it easy. He said his aim is to continue working hard for the next tournament.
“I intend to work closely with Mthethwa and Gumpo to be able to improve my skills ahead of next year’s tournament. My technique should be up to scratch if I am to win the tournament,” he said.
Meanwhile, the tournament organiser, Marang Morolong said stakeholders wanted the tournament to run more professional, hence the decision to invite players from outside the country.
“We wanted them to get exposure and right now Mathumo feels like he has played in a continental tournament,” he said.
“The stakes were high because of the prize money and we wanted everything to go smoothly.” Morolong said next year the tournament will start in March and cover more areas.