Two-horse race in bowls presidential race
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 6, 2026 09:06
Two candidates, Marea Modutlwa and Ookeditse Lekang have raised their hands to fill his shoes. Modutlwa is a seasoned sport administrator having served in the BBA national executive committee in different capacities; as executive secretary (2020–2021), technical director (2022–2023), competitions secretary in 2024, and vice president from 2025 to date.
“So, I am a well rounded administrator who has risen through the ranks of the organisation. In addition, I hold a Diploma in Advanced Sports Management Course, demonstrating commitment in advancing professional sport leadership, empowered to execute my sport administrator’s duties effectively,” she said.
“My track record speaks for itself; a high-performer with a strong work ethic who is guided by values that meaningfully contribute to achieving shared purpose. I lead with empathy, cultivating inclusive environments where other people are empowered, creating opportunities for positive impact in the community.”
She noted that since Robert stays in Orapa–Letlhakane, she frequently deputised for the president where called upon.
Modutlwa further said she was BBA delegate at various Annual General Meetings and other forums facilitated by Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), National Olympic Committee (NOB) and World Bowls.
“Networking, strengthening relations and creating synergies with other National Sport Associations (NSA) for the advancement of the association (is my other strength). There are many things I learnt from Robert, the key one is the ability to negotiate effective outcomes by understanding key drivers.
“Over the last few years this has helped me to focus on developing my emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills, to better navigate the complex landscape of stakeholder management,” she said. Modutlwa promised that if given a chance to lead, she will update the BBA strategic plan, align it to the new BNSC document,
Additionally she said she will make meaningful progress across the strategic priorities, including, but not limited to collaborating with World Bowls to promote short mat bowls in Botswana, a new and shorter format of indoor bowls. “I will focus on inclusive participation, this includes capacity building and up skilling of the BBA Women’s Commission (women coaches, technical officials, administrators). I will also focus on safeguarding, creating safe spaces for girls and young athletes to participate safely in sports,” Modutlwa said.
“The other is the introduction of disability bowls and strengthening our grassroots and youth development programmes across all bowling clubs in Botswana.
“I will also prioritise the inclusion of bowls in school sports and the African Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games. A key one is benefiting of our youth bowlers from the Elite Scholarship Program and Zebra Athlete Fund.”
She added that gender equality is a challenge in sport administration and BBA presidency has been dominated by men for decades. The association has never had a woman president.
Modutlwa said women contribute a lot to the running of the association and that all bowlers know that she is a capable leader and an administrator, with a strong track record.
The sport administrator argues that she has battled to be treated with respect whilst her male counterparts are respected by default. “The saddest part, women do not support other women. Some women in the bowling community oppose my bid for the presidency, and they have gone to great lengths to discredit and decampaign me.
“But I am resolute, this bid for the presidency highlights not just my journey, but the collective progress of women in leadership positions,” Modutlwa said. For his part, Lekang said bowls stands at a turning point, which has been made clear by World Bowls. He added thaat the future belongs to nations that embrace performance, professionalism, innovation and inclusion.
Lekang said his vision is to ensure that Botswana produces medal winning athletes, competent officials, sustainable clubs, and a vibrant bowling community aligned with the global evolution of the sport.
'We have the talent, the passion, and the structure – what we need now is a united drive to transform our technical ability, grow our youth pipeline, and position Botswana as a medal-winning nation at major international tournaments.
“In line with the World Bowls strategy, my leadership vision is focused on performance excellence, youth empowerment, and sustainable growth through strategic partnerships. My contribution to lawn bowls administration spans national, club and international levels, consistently centred on performance, infrastructure, and sustainability,” he said. Lekang was Orapa Bowls Club chairman from November 2015 until November 2017. He explained that when he assumed office, the club faced serious challenges including deteriorating greens and declining competitive performance.
He said despite the doubts about the club’s readiness, he successfully led the club to host the 2016 national championships. Lekang said through persistent engagement with Debswana, the owners of the facility, the club secured better resource allocation. “Greens that were considered ‘dead’ were revived to championship standard in the 2016 nationals. This was not accidental, it was a result of leadership, stakeholder engagement and uncompromising focus on standards,” Lekang said. He said in May 2024, he took over as Gaborone club chairperson, during crises, there was severe water shortage threatening the survival of the greens.
Lekang explained that together with his committee, they drilled and equipped a borehole funded through targeted sponsors.
From February 2017 to February 2022, Lekang was the competition secretary. He was voted vice president and public relations officer from February 2023 until February 2025.
Lekang said he plans to raise Botswana’s competitive standard to win medals at regional and internationals events. He also wants to build a sustainable talent pipeline through youth and school participation. “My vision is for BBA to be known not just for participation, but for performance, professionalism and pride,” Lekang added.
Vice President George Kieni, executive secretary Kudzani Chaba, and competitions secretary Khumo Kebalatetse are unopposed.