Its only been a year of playing pool for 17-year-old professional blackball player Lakeisha Moodley who is already making waves in the sport and getting seeded for some of the country’s biggest competitions.
Moodley started her pool journey at the age of 16 and has since amassed a number of achievements, her most recent being the runner-up in a development competition at Hotshots Pool Academy. As a lupus survivor, Moodley said she uses the sport as part of her therapy and as a way to keep herself occupied.
She said: “My passion for pool began when I reached a peak in my illness, I needed to find something to help keep me occupied and motivated. When I touched the pool cue and reached the pool table, I fell in love immediately and I knew that I would give it everything I that had to be the best that I could be in the sport.”
Moodley said it has not been easy and that her strong will to succeed keeps her motivated. “I sometimes face difficulties in managing both my lupus and pool, but nothing will stop me from growing and trying my best to reach all my goals in this sport,” she said.
Her biggest support structure has been her family, especially her father, Kevin Moodley, who is also her mentor and sponsor. “My mum, brother and sister never miss a competition and are always by my side, cheering me on and encouraging me all the way,” she added.
Some of Moodley’s achievements include being the winner of the Under 20 Hotshots competition, the number 1 seed in the ladies KZN championship 2022/2023, winner of the Blackball South Africa ladies open competition in Gold Reef City, number 2 seed and Under 18 BSA team among others.
This exemplary player said that her role models are Jack Whelan, Efren Reyes and Beckie Ann. She also has a few local female players that she looks up to including Aspra Panchoo and Romita Hanuman-Pillay.
“They are my pool companions who named me ‘Baby’, and they never fail to support and encourage me throughout my journey. My sincere gratitude goes to the Hotshots Pool Academy and Johnny Nair who has never failed in supporting, encouraging and cheering me on my journey,” said Moodley.
The Hotshots Pool Academy will be holding a number of competitions this year and ladies that are interested in the sport are encouraged to participate. Follow the Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages or call Johnny Nair on 082 439 9355.
