Bowls action to rock Windhoek in May

Local bowling stars are expected to compete in an intense National Bowls Week from 23 to 30 May in the capital.

This was revealed by Namibia Bowling Association spokesperson Michelle Crawford to The Namibian Sport this week.

The National Bowls Week will take place at the Windhoek Bowling Club, Trustco United Bowling Club and the Eros Bowling Club.

“Play is scheduled across all three bowling greens available, and there will be officials at every green. In case of heavy rain, the official will make a decision to stop play, which will continue after rains have stopped,” said Crawford.

The nationals will feature singles, pairs, triples, fours and mixed teams, and bowlers are expected to bring out their best.

“It is the biggest event that we have on our calendar, and it exposes novices to the experience of competitive bowls, and gives national players the chance to showcase their skills on the green,” Crawford said.

“It also makes provision for our seniors to perform at the veteran events. All disciplines will feature during the bowls week: singles, novices, singles veterans, pairs mixed, pairs men, pairs ladies, triples men, fours men and fours ladies.”

She said the bowls week affords everyone from as young as 11 to over 80 years old to participate in the game.

“We have recently formed a technical officials sub-committee which is headed by Detlef Pfeiffer, who is the highest-ranking coach and umpire in the country. It gives players opportunities to attend marker and umpire courses within the borders of Namibia,” said Crawford.

The national event will not see bowlers selected for international competitions as it is a national event for local bowlers, but it is open for other countries to showcase their talent.

Crawford said there has been interest from bowlers in neighbouring Botswana and South Africa who are regular competitors and visitors to the event.

“Not only do we have the Namibia National Bowls Week coming up in May. We are honoured to have Waylon Wentzel and Huipie van Wyk, who will be leaving on 7 May to compete in the World Bowls Singles Championships in Australia. We are also extremely proud to be part of Team Namibia, and we are sending a team to the Commonwealth Games set for Glasgow, Scotland, this year.”

She said the teams that will represent Namibia at the Commonwealth Games will include Diana Viljoen and Amanda Steenkamp for the ladies and Waylon Wentzel and Kat ‘Christo’ Steenkamp for the men.

Team Namibia will be managed by Lesley Vermeulen and Axel Krahenbuhl. “This year is a busy one for our association as we also have the African States Tournament that will be held in Zambia later this year.

“The team has not yet been announced for the African States Tournament. Steven Peake from Namib Park Bowling Club at Walvis Bay recently won the Namibian Men’s Masters title 2026 (singles discipline), and he will be taking part in the National Bowls Week,” said Crawford.

On the international stage, the World Bowls Champions of Champions Singles will take place from 6 to 8 October. Gordon Damster of Namib Park Bowling Club and Steenkamp of Eros Bowling Club will take part in the international event.

Crawford said they have bowling clubs throughout the country, including at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, as well as at Tsumeb.

“Throughout the year, the Namibia Bowling Association hosts several events across the country. Each club holds various fundraisers and events aimed specifically at raising funds and awareness throughout their regions and towns.”

She added: “Through these activities and corporate competitions, smaller tournaments get sponsored. Each club in the country aims to get new bowlers onto the green, to raise awareness and to invite schools in their areas to try and introduce and develop new and young bowlers onto the green.”

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.