12 May 2024

Gaborone Bowling Club was on May 11 crowned the champions of the 47th edition of the National Bowling Tournament held in Jwaneng from May 4 to 11.

The club garnered an overall 79 points followed by Jwaneng and Orapa with 66 and 61 points respectively, while Francistown got 46 and Selebi Phikwe 45.

Save for the Men’s Fours and Pairs, which were won by Francistown and Orapa respectively, the Gaborone teams triumphed over their competitors to obtain Gold in Ladies Pairs, both Ladies and Men’s Triples, while they got both Gold and Silver on the Ladies Fours category.

However, Mpopi Pelemo of Jwaneng Bowling Club emerged victorious in the Ladies Singles, Modisaotsile Mphotho from Selebi Phikwe won the Men’s Singles.

Subsequently, the duo will represent Botswana at the World Singles Champion of Champions scheduled for New Zealand next year.

Meanwhile, Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) director-sports development, Peaceful Seleka applauded the Botswana Bowling Association for a successful tournament, which he said would go a long way in contributing towards their aspirations of elevating to Tier 1 standards.

He said the association was one of the most dedicated and active associations affiliated to the BNSC.“Botswana Bowling Associations, as an affiliate of the Botswana National Sports Commission, is one of the very active national sports associations.

They also help us with our mandate, especially with the Re Ba Bona Ha programme which we have as the BNSC,” he said.

Seleka noted that the number of participants at this year’s national tournament was testament to their dedication to growing sports in the country, through increased membership and youth development, among others.

“The numbers alone confirm the robustness of your newly appointed strategic plan, whose main priorities are membership growth, youth development and establishment of new clubs,” he said.

Seleka said the Re Ba Bona Ha programme had contributed in the increased number of young people showing interest in the sport, which would go a long way in nurturing talent from a young age.

He said the intention was to eventually see youth representing the country on international stages.

Additionally, Seleka applauded all stakeholders, especially corporate sponsors, who partnered with the Bowling association to ensure the tournament was successful and consequently for their contribution towards the growth of bowling in general.

For his part, Botswana Bowling Association president Kitso Robert appreciated the bowlers for their commitment and dedication throughout the tournament.

“Leaving your families to come here for this long to play sport shows a lot of commitment because you have other important duties.

We appreciate you because without you there will be no tournament,” he said. ENDS