NICOLA ROSSOUW
CURRENT LADIES SOUTH AFRICAN CHAMPION
*YOU ARE CURRENTLY THE SOUTH AFRICAN LADIES BLACKBALL CHAMPION. WAS THIS A GOAL THAT YOU SET ASIDE TO ACTIVELY ACHIEVE?
-Yes indeed it was a goal. During my phase as a drug addict, I saw Apsra Panchoo being interviewed on television. I immediately told my parents that I'll definitely give Apsra a run for her money, who ever she is. To be honest, I was joking but yet I never knew that I would even in reality meet her or even get to a South African championship, that's how badly I was hooked.
*WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING POOL? HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO THE SPORT, AND WHAT WERE YOUR EXPERIENCES ALONG THE WAY TO GET YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY-THE SA LADIES CHAMPION?
-I started playing at the age of 9. A few gentlemen at a game center introduced me to the game. Since 2005 I've been dreaming about winning the S.A ladies Championships,but year after year I've only made it as far as the semi-finals. I guess it's hard to win when no one wants to lose. Until it happened in 2009 for me. My encouragement was "Desperation brings victory".
*THE EASTERN CAPE HAS A SMALL BUT GROWING BLACKBALL MEMBERSHIP. WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO ACCELERATE THIS GROWTH TO THE MEMBERSHIP LEVELS OF WHAT GAUTENG, KZN AND WESTERN CAPE HAVE?
-This might sound silly, but Eastern Cape needs a central venue, with an owner that is involved in pool and also passionate about the game. We also need some decent pool tables.
*GIVEN YOUR EXPERIENCE IN MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING, DO YOU THINK BLACKBALL-POOL CAN HELP WITH MANY PROBLEMS THE YOUTH OF TODAY EXPERIENCE?
-Yes it can. For me pool teaches us to make good decisions on and off the table, and creates a drive for success. It's simple; if we don't succeed, we'll have to then deal with the consequences, e.g.lose the game or on the other hand lose education etc.
*WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER IN SA AT THE MOMENT, AND WHY?
-I have too many favorites. The majority of players representing SA ever since I've started playing are an encouragement to me.
*DO YOU HAVE A SET PRACTICE ROUTINE? HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS,BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY?
-I have balance of mental & physical training. I also believe in spending a lot of time with Go, because I'm nothing without him.
*LADIES POOL IS GROWING STEADILY,ESPECIALLY WITH COMPANIES LIKE NTERRA SOLUTIONS INVESTING A LOT OF TIME,MONEY AND EFFORT INTO GROWING THE SPORT AND EXPOSING IT TO MORE FEMALE PLAYERS. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR LADIES OUT THERE WHO WANT TO START PLAYING BLACKBALL?
-Well don't be intimidated by me, lets show them that we can play this game better than them.
*TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL LIFE; YOUR JOB,FAMILY AND OTHER HOBBIES.
-I'm a motivational speaker against substance abuse. I'm also an individual counselor,very passionate about our youth and I'm doing a lot of prevention work in our communities. I have a sister and a brother, and my mom is still around. My dad passed on to be with the Lord 3 years ago, but I know he's looking down on me, that I am sure of.
*AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRINT, YOU WILL BE REPRESENTING SA AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN FRANCE. HOW DO YOU THINK THE SA LADIES TEAM WILL FARE? WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN THE SINGLES EVENT? ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE TRIP?
-Our Protea team will definitely do well at the World Championships. We have the potential and the experience to retain our title. All I can say I'm going to play to the best of my ability.
