Phikwe win Naledi Commercial Classic
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday November 21, 2022 10:41
George Kieni skipped the team and the second position went to Thakadu team skipped by Kabo Gaboutloeloe. Aggressive Tigers from Mafikeng claimed the third position.
One of the organisers of the event, Gaboutloeloe told Sport Monitor that the preparations for the tournament went according to plan. “Even though another organiser, Marea Modutlwa is in New Zealand for the World Singles Champion of Champions, overall everyone was happy.
This is the second installment of the Naledi Motors Commercial Classic,” he said.
Gaboutloeloe further said the first edition was played in Pairs discipline due to COVID-19 restrictions. He said this year they did Fours discipline from the 12 teams that competed.
They had entrants from Gaborone, Orapa, Jwaneng, Selebi-Phikwe, Francistown and Mafikeng. He said each player came into the tournament for a win but as far as Saturday night, two Gaborone teams were in the top four but on the final day, only Thakadu managed to finish in position two.
“This is the last tournament of the year and the next tournament will be next year, which is the Rose Bowl Trophy, which is major tournament here at Gaborone Club. Our club has been fortunate to host all the events that we had in our calendar,” he said. Botswana Bowling Club competitions secretary, Kieni said they were impressed about how Gaborone Club organised the tournament.
He said the entire clubs across the country participated. Kieni also said the high temperatures that were recorded in the capital city over the weekend took a toll on the players; fortunately there was hydration.
Kieni said the tournament was played under gender neutrality unlike mostly were there are women and men categories. “The organisers decided to go the gender neutral route and age was also not a factor. We had a player aged 10 years playing for the Francistown Club. She is the youngest bowler in the association. We are always trying to come up with ways to attract the youth into bowls. But in Phikwe it is difficult for us because we no longer have greens,” he said. Kieni also said they always invite people who are interested to play bowls to travel when they go for practice in other areas such as Francistown. He said that would give them a chance to know bowling and play.
He said they want people to understand that bowls is not for old people as some may perceive the game. Meanwhile, Kieni said they managed to become Naledi Motors Commercial Classic champions. “We managed to win because we train hard.
Other clubs are generous to us when we are in different places so we are able to maintain our discipline in the sport. Passion keeps us going and we persevere,” Kieni said.