Bowls prodigy Nyoka hits another milestone
Mqondisi Dube | Thursday June 12, 2025 09:28
. In the process, he became the youngest player to record the feat, achieved on his debut. In March, the 19-year-old became the youngest club singles champion when he emerged victorious during Orapa's Singles Championships. Last week, he went one better when he was crowned the Botswana Bowling Association (BAA) premier competition, the National Championship's singles winner. In the process, he has booked a ticket to represent the country at the World Bowls Singles Champion of Champions to be held in New South Wales, Australia next year. 'I honestly, feel amazed. I am really thrilled that I got to fulfil one of my greatest dreams and having done it on my first appearance is unbelievable. I am just thankful that I was given this opportunity to prove myself and make my family proud,' Junior Nyoka said.
His coach and father, Edwin Nyoka was ecstatic with his son's latest achievement. 'I am over the moon with happiness. I cannot find suitable words to define my happiness. He has not only won the national championship, but has broken the record by being the youngest-ever champion at the first attempt,' Nyoka said. 'Considering the fact he started learning the basics less than two years back makes it even a bigger achievement. It will really be a tall order for this record to be broken. My wish is for him to make an impression when he plays at the World Champion of Champions and perhaps get some international recognition to open up for more opportunities,' the father said.
The prodigiously talented Junior Nyoka has set sights on a career as a pharmacist but is making rapid in-roads in bowling. In an interview after registering his singles win in March, Junior Nyoka sounded optimistic about his future in the sport. 'The key to everything is commitment, time management, and discipline. Staying committed and focused to achieving my career goals and dividing time playing bowls as well during my spare time is the way. I believe that everything shall fall into place,' he said then.