She becomes the first ever woman to challenge for the position in the history of Botswana bowls. Modutlwa is challenging the incumbent vice president, Ookeditse Lekang. BBA elections are staggered, with three positions out of six contested for each year. This year, positions that are up for grabs include that of the vice president, treasurer, and director of bowls. The other three for president, secretary, and competitions secretary will be contested for in 2026. The BBA vice president also serves as the spokesperson.
Modutlwa is the current competitions secretary and she told MmegiSport that the decision to contest for the vice president's position was fuelled by fellow bowlers, some sport leaders, and mentors. “Even some members of the media have progressively encouraged me and nurtured my interest in contesting for a more senior leadership position within the BBA executive committee. These are friends and mentors who long recognised my passion for sport in general and lawn bowls in particular. They saw my potential as the prime candidate to ultimately succeed Kitso Robert as BBA president. Therefore, as the vice president, I will understudy and deputise for Robert whenever required. Robert has endorsed my candidacy for the vice president position, and I have full confidence he will give me support when I run for president of the bowling association in 2026,” Modutlwa said. She said her current and previous roles in the BBA executive committee always presented an opportunity for gender equality in senior leadership at the association.
Modutlwa said being the first ever woman vice president of BBA will represent a great opportunity to inspire fellow women into sport leadership positions, encourage them to think big and broaden their horizons. “I am one person who consistently challenges herself, setting new goals, and pushing boundaries of what is possible,” she added. Modutlwa said that contesting for the position aligns with strategic thinking, with a goal to ensure bowling is promoted to Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) tier one, which is possible because there are clear criteria on what has to be followed. “One of the immediate goals is to increase our brand visibility as a national sport association (NSA). We intend to be intentional and proactive in our brand positioning in order to navigate the sponsorship world. I am an experienced sport administrator and a leader who can navigate the complex landscape of stakeholder management to achieve this. Another goal is to make the sport more accessible and inclusive through several strategic initiatives. Para Bowls is growing around the world, and with the support of our international federation, World Bowls, we aim to develop opportunities for persons (living) with disability to play bowls,” Modutlwa said.
She said they also have safeguarding concerns, cases of sexual harassment within the bowls community, and Botswana sport in general. “As the vice president, I will have the capacity to work closely with the BBA women’s commission, ensure the leadership is committed to addressing safeguarding issues, collaborate with other stakeholders to create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone,” Modutlwa said. Lesedi Mafoko is unopposed for the position of treasurer whilst Bavan Balendra is seeking re-election as director of bowls. Meanwhile, the AGM will immediately be followed by the Infinity Bowls Trophy tournament, which ends on Sunday.
