Big loss for bowling, Esterhuizen dies

NAMIBIAN bowls has suffered a great loss after the untimely death of star player Will Esterhuizen.

Esterhuizen passed away last Thursday and his death has sent shock waves through Namibia’s bowling community.

“The Namibia Bowling Association is sad to announce the passing of Will Esterhuizen, one of their best bowlers,” the Namibia Bowling Association (NBA) said in a statement yesterday.

“He was 34 years old and had been playing bowls since he was a teenager. He inherited good genes, as both his father, Willie Esterhuizen, and mother, Dera Esterhuizen, represented Namibia on the international stage,” it added.

The president of the NBA, Ewald Vermeulen, said it was a huge loss for Namibian bowling.

“His death is a huge loss for Namibian bowls, because he was our top player on the international stage over the past few years. He was also selected to represent Namibia at the World Bowls Singles Championships in Australia in May,” he said.

“Will excelled at all levels during his career, at national as well as international level. He was a constant member of the national side and competed at the African States Tournament, the Commonwealth Games, the World Bowls Championships and the World Singles Championships,” he added. A fellow bowler, Mari van der Merwe also paid tribute to Esterhuizen.

“We have lost a very good bowler and a super guy. It’s a great loss for the bowling community – he was larger than life and I will miss him terribly,” she said.

“He will always be remembered for his speedy, decisive delivery, and running after his bowl. He was a hero to many. he was patient and always helped the new bowlers, while he was great fun and very witty. I personally will miss him greatly, and I didn’t even spend a lot of time with him, so I can only imagine how everybody else feels,” she added.

The NBA extended their condolences to Esterhuizen’s family and friends. A memorial service will be held for Esterhuizen at 10h00 tomorrow at the NG Church in Pionierspark.

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