Kimberley to host historic Bowls South Africa Under-35 Tournament

In the heart of the Northern Cape, Kimberley is preparing to make history of its own.

From September 20 to 23, the Diamond City will welcome bowlers from across South Africa and an invitational team from Namibia for the inaugural Bowls South Africa (BSA) Under-35 Inter-Districts Tournament.

This tournament marks a bold new chapter for bowls in South Africa. Previously an Under-30 competition, BSA recently expanded the age limit to 35, opening the door to a wider pool of talent and igniting a fresh wave of excitement. The change has drawn a record number of teams, all vying to etch their names as the first-ever champions of this reimagined event. For Kimberley, a city steeped in sporting tradition, hosting this national spectacle is a moment of immense pride.

A Stage Set for Competition

The action will unfold on two of Kimberley’s most cherished bowling venues. Beaconsfield Park, with its pristine greens, and Sol Plaatje West End, a hub for local bowlers, are ready to welcome players and fans alike.

The greens of these two clubs are already tuned and trimmed in anticipation as 43 teams are set to compete in a landmark event for the sport.

Each round will feature a live-streamed match on the Bowls South Africa YouTube channel, ensuring that enthusiasts worldwide can witness the drama unfold. The tournament kicks off with a highly anticipated clash between Northern Cape B and Western Province, streaming at 9am on Saturday, September 20. For those craving real-time updates, the Fairtree Bowls Master app will provide live scoring, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Kimberley’s hospitality, paired with its rich heritage, will be on full display. Visitors to the city will have the chance to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Big Hole to its vibrant cultural scene, while cheering on their teams.

For the local community, the event is more than a tournament because it doubles as a celebration of their love for bowls and a chance to showcase the Northern Cape’s warmth and spirit.

Northern Cape’s Rising Stars

The host province is fielding four formidable teams, each brimming with talent and determination to shine on home soil. Northern Cape A is led by Protea bowler CP Mathewson, a commanding skip who brings a wealth of experience. Alongside him are Driaan van Niekerk, Franscois van der Walt, and Kieran Kelly.

Mathewson and Van Niekerk are no strangers to victory, having helped Northern Cape triumph in the BSA Under-30 Inter-Districts in 2018 and 2023, as well as the BSA Open Fours earlier this year. Van der Walt, a seasoned provincial player, and Kelly, a promising debutant for the NCB Mens B team, round out a squad poised for greatness.

Northern Cape B is a blend of experience and grit. LeRoux Fourie and Scotty Elliot, both provincial stalwarts, lead the charge. Elliot was part of the 2018 BSA Under-30 championship team, while Fourie contributed to the 2023 victory.

They’re joined by Diddi Osmers, a former Under-25 representative, and Charlene Fourie, who recently earned a spot on the NCB Ladies Open side for 2026. Together, they form a team with both firepower and finesse.

Northern Cape C brings youthful energy to the greens. Rising stars Raymond Hardiman, Diann Cilliers, and Andrei Matthee, who earned bronze with the NCB under-25 team this year, are guided by Charl Labuschagne, a 2023 BSA Under-30 champion.

Their blend of ambition and experience makes them a team to watch.

Finally, Northern Cape D is led by Wessel Fourie, making his NCB debut as skip. He’s joined by Japie Steyn, a bronze medallist from the Under-25 team; Sue-Monique le Roux, a seasoned provincial bowler; and debutant Miranda Fourie van Wyk.

This team embodies the spirit of opportunity, ready to prove themselves on a national stage.

A Milestone for the Province

Northern Cape Bowls President Braam van der Westhuizen radiated pride as he spoke about the event. “It is indeed an honour to host this prestigious event in the diamond city,” he said. “We are grateful to the tournament committee and our hosting clubs for their hard work and dedication in ensuring its success.”

His words reflect the collective excitement of a province ready to welcome the nation’s finest young bowlers.

As the tournament approaches, Kimberley is buzzing with anticipation. The greens are pristine, the teams are ready, and the stage is set for a historic showdown. With South Africa’s best under-35 bowlers and a special guest team from Namibia competing for glory, the BSA Under-35 Inter-Districts promises to be a thrilling chapter in the sport’s story.

For Kimberley, it’s a chance to shine as brightly as the diamonds it’s known for, uniting communities through the timeless game of bowls.