Duo to make World Bowls Champs debut
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday September 17, 2025 06:43
The duo, who qualified for the competition after becoming Botswana’s Women and Men’s Singles National Champions in 2024, will jet off today (Tuesday). Thirty-two nations from around the world will compete for a world title in the men’s and women’s singles at the 2025 World Bowls Champion of Champions.
CluBarham, Australia will host the prestigious international event with 27 men and 30 women competing at one of the premier clubs in New South Wales.
The event brings together men and women who have all found their way to the pinnacle of their singles journey in their home countries – the best of the best among their peers.
Pelemo told Sport Monitor ahead of departure that they have been practising by doing assessments and competing in Botswana Bowling Association (BBA) Major tournaments, also played the Mafikeng Bowls Open last weekend.
“We have two coaches, George Kieni and Gasegarona Pabalelo, but we are only travelling with Kieni. I have never played in the World Bowls Champion of Champions but I played in the 2018 World Bowls Championships in Gold Coast,” Pelemo said.
“Since I defended my title this year, I will still represent Botswana at the 2026 World Champion of Champions. My plan is to take each game as it comes, and avoid putting myself under pressure. I am looking forward to playing against the best bowlers in the world.”
For his part, Mphotho stated that he is ready to face the world because he believes that he had the best preparations he could get.
The bowler said they are expecting faster and smooth greens in Australia, and it is important to arrive before the tournament in order to get time for practice, get used to the greens.
Meanwhile, Kienu said Pelemo and Mphotho have been rearing and ready for a while now. He said they have been training thoroughly and also using local and international competitions as their training grounds.
“I believe they are ready for battle and shall bring back good tidings back to Botswana. The preparations have been good.
“We have attended local Majors, they have done individual training and also played tournaments like Mafikeng Bowls-Up. I believe they are ready to knockout the competition. In the past we have had several players who have qualified but due to some circumstances they did not travel,” he said.
However, it will not be a walk in the park for Pelemo and Mphotho as countries such as Australia, Scotland, New Zealand and Malta are expected to put the hammer down.
The World Bowls Champion of Champions will be held from September 21-26.