When Kyle Booysen took up pool five years ago, he could not have imagined how the sport would shape his life and outlook. But half a decade later from first picking up the cue stick to play competitively, he is one of the brightest talents in the entire Western Cape.

On 22 September 2024, Kyle and his team members will represent the Central Boland team in this year’s National Team Pool Championship, hosted by Pool South Africa. The 17-year-old will compete in the U/18 category and will aim for gold with his four teammates.

However, while Kyle is good enough to make up his club’s team of five U/18 players, he never knew just how much he’d enjoy it. Because when two friends invited him to play a few games at the Outlaw Pool Club in Eerste River, it became apparent that there was more to his aim than just holding the cue. A year later, he began working with his coach; ultimately improving his game and underlining his talent.

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Now with one of the toughest competitions he’s competed in about to begin, Kyle can’t single out one tough opponent. He says:

“I can’t signal out one opponent in particular that’s been tough. Every time you line up you know you’re battling against the best, because if you miss one shot it’s unlikely that you’ll get another chance again. These guys are good!”

Never underestimate your opponent

Coming into this week’s competition, Kyle is under no illusions that the challenge will be monumental. One mistake will be the difference between losing and advancing to the next stage, as your opponent will seize any opportunity and mistake. And playing pool competitively is not just about shooting the billiard into the net. It’s about speed, remaining focused, and continuously playing at your best.

Normally, says Kyle, a game can last anything between 1 and 2 minutes, but in the tournament, some games will end after just 40 seconds! He explains:

“In the tournament, when we’re playing it will be even faster in some cases, so you need to be at your A-game. Your game must be rock-solid, and you must always be ready to compete.”

To enhance his preparations, Kyle practised and played against a player much stronger than him and who had experience in such tournaments. This, he says, along with his coach who pushes him, should hopefully pay off when all is said and done.

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Support from the school

As he nears the end of the academic year at Blackheath Secondary School, the Grade 10 learner has garnered the respect and support from the school that stood by him through some of the toughest times. And now, having lifted himself out of challenges that could have easily let him slip into a troubled youth, he has the backing of his high school.

Antonio Michaels, principal at BSS, conveyed his pride towards Kyle and the journey he is on. The school’s leader said:

“As a school community, we are extremely proud of Kyle and his achievements. It is my personal motto that you do not judge a fish’s ability to climb a tree, which basically means that each and every one of us has our own unique talents. And when learners achieve in sport, especially in codes that we don’t offer at the school, it gives them so much personal pride that it would allow them to grow. As a school, if we can fulfil our core duty of letting our kids grow, I think we would have achieved our goal.”

Michaels is confident that Kyle, being the person that he is, will not only grow as a sportsman but also into a productive, exemplary member of his community and society.

As for Kyle and the support he’s received from the school – both publicly and behind closed doors – he says proudly:

“That is the best, because I can see how proud they are of me. And I would love for Pool to one day become a recognised sport at Blackheath High.”