Four years ago, Tashrique Pietersen, at age 9, was finally tall enough to look over a pool table. Now he is preparing to aim his cue at the 2026 International Blackball Federation World Championships which will be staged right here in Cape Town from 23 October to 1 November, bringing some of the world's best Blackball players to the Mother City.
This moment, for Tashrique, has been a long time coming. As he grew from a toddler into a young boy, he became more and more aware that the man he looked up to, his dad Tino, was quite good at shooting pool balls into pockets.
So, it was no surprise that Tashrique’s first shot across the pool table felt quite natural. Now, at just 13-years-old, Tashrique has already established himself as one of South Africa's promising young Blackball players. In 2025, he became the South African Blackball Federation's U15 National Champion, winning the national title despite competing in an age category above his own. He also secured national doubles honours in the same year.
But perhaps the most impressive part of Tashrique's story is that winning did not make him stop. It made him want to become better. In the 2025 Pool South Africa U14 National Pool Singles Championship, Tashrique finished third nationally from a field of 34 players.
Then came 2026. At the U14 National Singles Championship in July, Tashrique went all the way to the final, finishing runner-up from a field of 65 young players. His tournament record was five victories from six matches, winning 32 of the 51 frames he played.
That result tells its own story. Third place became second. The field almost doubled in size. And the young player who had already conquered an older Blackball age category was now knocking firmly on the door of another national title.
Watch Tashrique break-to-finish in under 2 minutes below.
There are moments when you look at a young person and realise that you may be watching the dawn of something very special. Tashrique, whose name (also spelled Tashriq, Tashreeq, or Tashrik) means "sunrise," "dawn," "illumination," or "radiance," in Arabic according to Google, comes from Gaylee, Blackheath, where opportunities in elite sport can be limited, but where determination, family support and talent can combine to produce remarkable young achievers like him.
The driving-force behind Tashrique’s talent is the unconditional support he receives from his dedicated parents. Tino and Leatitia Pietersen recognized their son’s talent from the beginning. “I guess you could say he got some of his talent from me,” says Tino, who also plays club pool. “I like to keep him grounded,” says Leatitia. “Respect your opponent, stay focused and be humble, I always remind him before a tournament.”
Cape Town pool players have a reputation for their skill.
“Once you accept that the level of talent is this high; focus, awareness and dedication become critical. I go into a zone where the table reveals its secrets to me willingly,” Tashrique laughs. “You see the angles, the roll of the table, where you need to place the white ball, your opponent’s body language, seeing several shots ahead, how to control emotions, recover from mistakes and remain focused when an entire match can turn on one decision. But, if you are not focused and aware, the table will let you miss a step that could cost you the game.”
Tashrique’s young age belies an older, wiser grasp of his surroundings which prompted him to join the inaugural Junior Gentleman and Leading Ladies Club, launched at his primary school, Blackheath Primary, last month. “I wanted to be part of it because, although it is an extra-curricular initiative, it is about preparing young boys and girls to become leaders in our community.”
I ask him about how he sees his talent and skill in terms of his role in the community. “I recognize my responsibility to set an example and inspire not just my generation and future generations, but even the older generation.”
Tashrique’s current national ranking reflects his progress. In the published 2025 Pool South Africa U14 rankings, he finished fourth nationally, level on points with the player ranked third. But numbers and trophies only tell part of the story. Now, still at the beginning of his sporting journey, he finds himself preparing to measure his ability against some of the finest young Blackball players on the planet.
And for the young and old in our community watching, Tashrique's story is also about what his achievements represent. It represents the new dawn in our community and the realization that when a child discovers something he or she loves and has the support of their parents and the community, the dream becomes reality for all of us.
Good luck Tashrique, its only just begun and we’re behind you all the way!
