16 Sep 2026

The Botswana National Lawn Bowls team is looking to shine at continental level and improve their record in the African States Tournament (AST) scheduled for Zambia from September 21.

The 10-member squad comprising five ladies and five men will travel to Lusaka on September 19 under the watchful eyes of former national team bowlers, Regent Reid and Lebogang Mascharenhas.

Speaking on the sidelines of an intensive training camp this week, Botswana Bowling Association vice president and publicity secretary, Edwin Nyoka said the African States tournament was particularly important as it formed part of the World championships qualifying rounds and also a vital qualifier for the lucrative Commonwealth Games.

He said being part of the qualifiers for the two global bowls showpieces made the continental championship more important on the international bowls calendar.

Botswana will join five other African nations, which include hosts Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa, to roll it out on the greens in four categories of singles, pairs, triples and fours for both men and women.

Botswana hosted the last African States tournament and won in overall silver behind South Africa who scooped gold in the mining town of Orapa in 2024.

Kabo Gaboutloeloe, Khumo Kebalatetse, Modisaotsile Mphotho, Kaizer Geche and Charles Diteko will face other teams in the men’s class while Mpopi Pelemo, Peo Ramodise, Chinky Senombe, Kefilwe Moleleki and Boikhutso Mooketsi will battle in the ladies’ category.

Meanwhile, the association will be sending two bowlers to compete in the 2026 World Singles Championships in New South Wales, Australia next month from October 6-10.

Edwin Nyoka and Pelemo will represent Botswana in the men’s and ladies’ categories respectively after being crowned national champions last year.

Nyoka made history by being the youngest ever bowler to win the nationals at 19 years of age. He also won the 2026 national youth championship.

Pelemo goes into this year’s competition after winning back-to-back national championships in 2024 and 2025. ENDS