World bowls carpet proves tricky for local players
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday October 13, 2026 10:43
The duo attributed their struggles to difficulties adjusting to the bowls carpet. Nyoka and Pelemo won two of their seven games but suffered several narrow defeats. Two of their losses were determined by tie-breakers after each player had won one set against their opponent.
Speaking to SportMonitor, Pelemo revealed that their biggest challenge was adapting to the carpet, as they are accustomed to playing on grass.
He added they only became comfortable with the new surface towards the end of the tournament.
“By the time you get used to controlling the weight, pace, line, curvature, adjustments and other technicalities, the games are over. By then, our opponents have already dominated the matches because they are used to the carpet.' “For us, we only play on the carpet when we go to international competitions. Even regionally, we play on grass, as was the case at the African States Tournament held in Zambia. “It does not mean we were that bad; it is just that our opponents knew how to navigate the surface. We played well and played the same shots as other countries, but they have the skills. We gave it our best, unfortunately, we did not make it to the next stage,” Pelemo said.
Botswana Bowling Association (BBA) secretary Edwin Nyoka said the players had done well, particularly Junior, who only took up the sport in 2024.
He said Junior’s participation in such a high-level competition so early in his career was a success in itself, adding that both players had gained valuable experience that would help them improve their game.
Nyoka described Junior as a player with exceptional potential, saying he had a bright future in bowls.
Meanwhile, the fourth edition of the SSR Bowling Tournament was held over the weekend at Jwaneng Bowls Club, bringing together bowlers from Selebi-Phikwe, Francistown, Orapa, Gaborone and Jwaneng, as well as clubs from South Africa.
The tournament featured singles, doubles, triples and fours categories.
Amongst the top finishers, Full Bias B, comprising Khumo Kebalatetse, Abel Sikwane, Chinky Senombe and Modisaotsile Mphotho, claimed first place with 61 points.
Diamond Eagles finished second with 58 points. The team comprised Kaizer Geche, Boago Galeboe, Nyoka and Lesedi Mafoko.
South Africa’s The Entertainer team secured third place with 46 points, while Spotted Dogs, comprising Kebapetse, Diane Senna, Nelly Senna and Kabo Gaboutloeloe, finished fourth with 41 points.