Robert prepares for final bowls bow
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday February 10, 2024 08:37
While significant leadership changes are not expected, some challengers have emerged to contest against the incumbents.
Orapa Bowling Club's Kitso Robert, the longest-serving BBA president, is anticipated to vie for his last term after nearly 15 years in office.
Robert, initially disinterested in seeking re-election, cited the hosting of the African States Tournament (AST) in Orapa in September as the reason for his decision. 'I cannot leave preparations halfway. That is why I am going in again. I am going into office for the last time,' he said. Emphasising a final term, he acknowledged the presence of potential successors in the bowling community.
Despite initially facing no opposition, Robert now contends with one other candidate for the top post, reflecting a shift in the landscape. Khumo Kebalatetse from Phikwe Bowling Club is Robert's challenger. Club sources suggest a consensus amongst clubs supporting the retention of key positions due to the ongoing preparations for the AST.
Edwin Nyoka of Orapa Club seeks re-election as secretary-general, having served two previous terms. He faces competition from Lesedi Mafoko of the Jwaneng Club. A notable contest is expected for the position of competition secretary between the incumbent George Kieni from the Phikwe Bowling Club and Marea Modutlwa of Gaborone Bowling Club. Kieni aims for one more term, emphasising the need to provide training for his successor, considering the challenges associated with the role. “My major challenges were mainly planning and implementing the BBA annual national championships and international competitions, especially if things change at the last minute.
It was hectic in my first year (2022) but in 2023, I had it under control, although sudden changes still arose with players,” Kieni said. Modutlwa, highlighting her experience, has served the BBA executive committee from 2020 to 2023 as executive secretary and director of bowls, respectively. She pledges immediate deliverables. “If voted into office, my immediate deliverables include publishing the BBA calendar by December 31 every year, sharing the BBA calendar with other AST member states, and sourcing calendars of other AST member states by December 31 every year,” she promised.
Modutlwa also aims to establish synergies and strengthen national and international relations with other National Federations, the National Sport Commission, the National Olympic Committee, AST nations, and World Bowls. Following the AGM, the Gaborone Major tournament, sponsored by Mighty Infinite Services, kicks-off. The tournament, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, marks the beginning of the 2024 season's five major competitions.
'The partnership between Gaborone Bowls Club and Mighty Infinite Services extends beyond financial support in hosting the tournament (prize money, catering, merchandise, and the floating trophy). Mighty Infinite Services have invested P150, 000, with most of the funds going towards an ongoing project to refurbish and uplift the clubhouse and surrounding areas around the bowling green,” reads a club statement.
The Infinite Bowls tournament initiates a series of five major competitions for the 2024 season. Sixteen teams from five clubs will converge on Gaborone to vie for the top prize. The participating clubs are Gaborone, Jwaneng, Phikwe, Orapa, and Francistown. Jwaneng holds the defending champions' title after their 2023 victory, with Charles Diteko leading the reigning champions. The subsequent tournaments are scheduled for Francistown (March), Orapa (June), Jwaneng (August), and Phikwe (November).