HUMANSDORP – A new and vibrant sporting organisation, the Humansdorp 8-Ball Pool Association, has been officially established, marking an important milestone for pool players in the Kouga region.
According to Francois du Rand, owner of Havanna Sports Bar and one of the driving forces behind the initiative, the association was formed after years of reflection and discussion among local players.
“We have players in the Humansdorp 8-Ball Pool Association who played for more than 10 years in the Kouga 8-Ball League. They showed determination, dedication and discipline, but after all these years, players could not grow under Kouga 8-Ball Pool. It was for this reason, shared by many others, that we decided it was time to start our own organisation,” said Du Rand.
He said the Humansdorp 8-Ball Pool Association was established in December 2025 after numerous discussions throughout the year.
Du Rand said the aim is to create an organisation that focuses on its members and, most importantly, the youth.
“This is an organisation that can be built to focus on its members, especially the youth, who are the generation of tomorrow,” said Du Rand.
“It is a new and exciting association for all 8-ball pool lovers, young and old.”
As 2026 marks the association’s first official year, Du Rand said there are several exciting plans and goals in place. One of the key priorities is developing junior players to ensure continuity in the sport.
“We want to align and grow our juniors so that they can take over once the seniors step out of the game. We also want to grow our member base and invite more teams to join us,” he said.
He further said the association wants to ensure that players experience structured growth.
“We want to take our members from point A to point B, while also getting more exposure for them,” said Du Rand.
Fundraising is also high on the agenda, particularly to support players who will be travelling to national championships later this year.
Looking ahead to the competitive calendar, Du Rand said the association has several major events lined up for 2026.
Trials for juniors, ladies, masters, grand masters, seniors and open players will begin in February. Successful players will compete for places in the Nelson Mandela Bay (Eastern Cape) teams, which will represent the region at the national championships starting in June in Potchefstroom.
Du Rand said the main league also kicks off in February and that later in the year the association will host a summer league, Top 32, doubles and mixed doubles competitions.
All these events will be held at Havanna Sports Bar (Jeffreys Bay) and Humansdorp Hotel (Humansdorp).The Humansdorp 8-Ball Pool Association hosts league matches every Monday at Havanna Sports Bar and Humansdorp Hotel.
In addition, competition nights are held every Wednesday at 19:30 and are open to affiliated players and the public.
“These Wednesday nights are for anyone and everyone,” said Du Rand.
He said there are cash prizes to be won every week at Havanna Sports Bar, and that the competitions provide members with an opportunity to sharpen their skills for league matches.
Du Rand further said the association also plans to administer additional competitions, with the income generated being used to grow and sustain the organisation.
He said that dates for these events will be confirmed after the first league fixture.
The association’s league officially kicks off on 2 February at Havanna Sports Bar at 19:00.
The event is open to the public, and no entrance fee is required.
“We invite anyone and everyone from the public to come and support our eight teams and players,” said Du Rand.
Members of the public interested in joining the Humansdorp 8-Ball Pool Association can contact the association via email at humansdorp8pa@gmail.com, contact Francois Du Rand on 073 309 4275, or contact the association’s chairman, Jonathan Brown, on 068 302 5902.
