“I DON’T want to die with my talent.”

Those were 41-year-old Senzo Gumede’s words.

He’s counting the days before jetting off to the United Kingdom to represent Mzansi at the 2024 World Blackball Championships from 11 to 20 October.

The self-taught pool player from Port Shepstone, south of KZN, won the World Blackball Championship in Morocco in 2022 and must defend his title in England.

This opportunity came unexpectedly for the champion.

“I need roughly R43 000 for travelling, accommodation, attire, entry fee, administration fee, food, and visa application fee,” said Senzo.

So far, he’s managed to raise R28 000 by playing pool in local taverns and bars.

“That’s where I started playing at age 17 when I realised that there was no way my dad could afford to take me to school together with all my 13 siblings,” he said.

Senzo has been dreaming of this moment his entire life and once lost the opportunity in 2019 when he failed to raise enough funds to participate in the competition.

“It was a sad moment. At that time, I needed R25 000. I told myself without trying, no one would give me that amount of cash.”

He has also tried to write to the Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Culture and hasn’t received any response.

“I’m planning to do a follow-up as I can see time is not on my side anymore.”

Senzo said coming back with the championship trophy from England would change his life around.

“This is how I make a living. I’ve already promised my kids that our lives will change for the better this time.”

Senzo further shared that he aspires to teach kids the sport but has been unable to do so due to the scarcity of kid-friendly environments for the sport in the country.