Modutlwa, Gabobewe gear for World Indoor Bowls

The duo of Michael Gabobewe and Marea Modutlwa are gearing up for the World Bowls Indoor Championship, to be held on Guernsey Island from April 21-27. They qualified to represent Botswana at the world competition after winning selections held in December.

Speaking to MmegiSport, Modutlwa explained that every December, the Botswana Bowling Association (BBA) organises a qualifying tournament for the World Indoor Championships. This time, on the women’s side, there were three entries, but the other two players withdrew, leaving her to qualify unopposed.

“In terms of preparations, there are both positive and negative aspects. The Gaborone Club is closed for maintenance, and our greens are also closed due to a water issue, which means I cannot practice in Gaborone,” she said.

“On the positive side, every weekend I drive to Jwaneng for practice. From that perspective, I get an opportunity to train with

Gabobewe.” At the championship, Modutlwa will compete in singles and also as part of a mixed pair against other countries. Training together provides them with an opportunity to get used to each other’s playing styles. They are looking forward to competing indoors.

Gabobewe explained that in the men’s qualifiers, it was initially a four-man race, but two players withdrew, leaving him to play five games against George Kieni, all of which he won.

“This is not my first time playing abroad. I was part of the national team that competed in the World Bowls Championships in Australia,” Gabobewe said. “Regarding preparations, unlike in other sports where they have coaches, in bowls we train ourselves. Sponsorship is a

challenge, especially for sports like bowls. We self-sponsor everything, from accommodation and feeding to travel.”

Gabobewe noted that they have an idea of the type of greens they will face at the competition venue, especially since they are faster than the local greens.

During the mixed pairs, Modutlwa and Gabobewe will compete against teams from Macao China, Ireland, Canada, Comp 3 (Falkland Islands/Scotland), and Jamaica.

In the singles competition, Modutlwa will face opponents from Macao China, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, and France. Gabobewe’s singles opponents are from the Falkland Islands, Macao China, South Africa, England, and Canada.

Meanwhile, Botswana bowls teams participated in the Zimbabwe national event over the Easter holidays. The Selebi-Phikwe women’s team comprised of Lebo Mascarenhas, Tshenolo Moshokgo, Millicent Mafoko, and Binkie Gaborutwe, won a gold medal. The men’s team, consisting of Kieni, Kitso Mmunyane, Modisaotsile Mphotho, and Carlos Tigere, earned a silver medal.

Gaborone, Orapa, and Jwaneng men’s teams also participated in the Zimbabwe nationals, along with the Gaborone Club women’s team.