Bowlers vote as Robert's term ends
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday February 12, 2022 06:00
Robert took temporary charge following the passing on of John Gaborutwe last year. The elections will be held tomorrow during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Gaborone.
The BBA had written to the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chief executive officer (CEO), Tuelo Serufho last year, indicating Robert was holding the fort until tomorrow's election when the two-year term for the late Gaborutwe would have come to an end. Robert had handed over the baton to Gaborutwe in 2020. Robert is BBA's longest-serving president having been in office for 12 years.
Under Robert's leadership, the BBA introduced the Youth/Under-25 championships. The Men’s Fours team achieved its first Region 5 African States gold medal in 2017. A feat repeated in 2019 by the Women’s Fours team.
Robert said he has been requested by the members to continue leading the association for another two years.
“They have made that request but I would hear from them. If they want me to continue, I would comply. People might wonder why I want to continue leading BBA. It is because we had thought John would lead us but God had other plans,” he said.
Robert said the intention was to allow Gaborutwe to lead the body for a long period. He explained that it does not mean that there are no capable people within the association but rather they are still grooming somebody to take over. Robert said since the outbreak of COVID-19, BBA has lost sponsorships. He said now they have to come up with a plan to find new partnerships.
When asked what BBA was doing to get the youth into playing bowling, Robert said before the pandemic, there had a large number of players, particularly boys.
“We now have to come up with a plan to bring them back on board and embark on a recruitment drive to have more youth playing bowling,” Robert said.
The terms of the secretary and competition secretary have also expired.
Meanwhile, bowling season kicks off tomorrow with the Rose Bowl Major Tournament. The events coordinator, Marea Modutlwa told Mmegi Sport that the Rose Bowl is the first of a five series major tournament for 2022.
“Orapa Bowls Club (skipped by Robert) are the Rose Bowls defending champions after their victory in 2021. The 2022 edition will see 14 teams competing for the top prize with representation from five clubs; Gaborone, Jwaneng, Phikwe, Orapa and Francistown,” she said.
The other major tournaments for this year are slated for Francistown in March, Orapa in June, Jwaneng in August and Phikwe in November.