Sports

Pelemo retains Women’s Bowls Singles title

Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday June 4, 2025 11:20

Mpopi Pelemo retained the Women’s Singles title during the Botswana Bowling Association (BAA) National Championships that came to an end over the weekend Mpopi Pelemo retained the Women’s Singles title during the Botswana Bowling Association (BAA) National Championships that came to an end over the weekend
Mpopi Pelemo retained the Women’s Singles title during the Botswana Bowling Association (BAA) National Championships that came to an end over the weekend

Last year she lifted the silverware when the championships were hosted by her club in the diamond mining town of Jwaneng. Pelemo won the title after picking a win from Kefilwe Moleleki of Gaborone Bowling Club. Since 2013, the women’s singles title has had different winners until Pelemo doubled in 2024 and 2025. The other biggest upset of the BAA National Championships was when 19-year-old Edwin Junior Nyoka of Orapa emerged victorious against seasoned bowler, Kabo Gaboutloeloe of Gaborone club. The youngster was making her debut in the competition.

Pelemo told SportMonitor that defending the title did not come easy because she faced tough competition, but at the end of the day, she emerged victorious. She said her win puts her in the footsteps of veteran players who had back to back titles before such as Lebo Mascarenahs, Shirley Bayliss (1999-2000) and Yvonne Richards (1994-1995). She said her win means she has qualified for the World Bowls Singles Championships. The BBA spokesperson, Khumo Kebaletetse said the national championships went according to plan.

He said the year is still open for the bowlers as they will face off at the Orapa Major on June 14 and as they continue to grow the sport, there will be a Youth Championship Singles in Jwaneng on June 28. Results: Jwaneng club (Overall Winner), Francina Terblanche and Chelsea Balendra from Francistown club (Ladies Pairs), Khumo Kebaletetse and Bingo Mosarwa from Phikwe club (Men’s Pairs), Shenilla Mahommed, Grace Kamba and Audrey Olaotse from Jwaneng club (Ladies Trips), Joshua Mothusi, Kabelo Ngwako and Gabriel Maphane from Jwaneng (Men’s Trips), Boikhutso Mooketsi, Lesedi Mafoko, Malebogo Keorotse and Russia Sekhutlo from Jwaneng (Ladies Fours), Charles Diteko, Joshua Mothusi, Joseph Keorotse and Bame Rantsiapana from Jwaneng (Men’s Fours). Ladies player of the tournament: Chelsea Balendra (Francistown) and Khumo Kebalatetse (Phikwe)nis men’s player of the tournament.