Pool is a perfect way to release pressure, says star player

Portland pool player Zara Matthee, 19, a second-year BA student at UWC, majoring in Psychology, has been selected to represent the institution at University Sports South Africa (USSA) Supa pool championships, in Johannesburg, at the end of the month.

Introduced to the game at an early age by her father, Ashraf, Zara, a former pupil at Westville Primary and Spine Road High School, has been playing socially for a while before switching to competitive play while at university.

“This is an extremely special opportunity, since it would be my first time competing in a proper competition,” she said.

"I’ve been playing pool for about three to four years now," she said. "I initially took an interest after watching my father play all the time when I was younger. As the years went on, I started playing more with friends and family and found great love for the game,” she said.

Although this will be her first official competition, she’s had a taste of the pressure that comes with the territory, having played and reached the semi-final in a friendly competition.

“I had so much fun with that competition, the rush of adrenaline I felt was unparalleled, a feeling I wouldn't exchange for anything,” she said.

“I practice about three times a week, but I play almost every day on campus,” she said.

“I enjoy the thrill of competing against friends and family, even strangers, win or lose, you always learn something new in the game, and to become a better player,  you need to accept losing sometimes,” she said.

“The feeling you get once you’ve learnt a new technique or made a shot you’ve been practicing for weeks, sometimes even months, is one of the best feelings you can experience,” she said.

Supa Pool tournament director Galiek Saville said he has assisted universities in registering with national federations, enabling students to reach higher levels.

“This is one tournament I'm looking forward to,” said Saville, a founder member of Pool4Change. This organisation has been instrumental in helping to promote the game at the school level for several years.

“It's always good to see new talent coming through,” he said.

While performing well at the national championships is her main priority, challenges beyond the pool table and lecture halls remain. 

“More than a hobby, pool has become an escape from daily issues I face,” the promising player said. 

“As a student, my finances are very low and I’m behind on my tuition fees,” she said. "If I do not pay my fees at the end of the year, I will not be able to receive my results, nor will I be able to graduate. Pool helps me positively deal with my stress, and this is another reason I am so invested in playing pool,” she said. 

She also needs to raise funds to cover travel expenses and to purchase a case to carry her cue. 

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