The DFA interviewed Kimberlite Susan Venter, a representative from Beaconsfield Park Bowling Club. Susan enthusiastically shared her excitement about the event.
IN A CAPTIVATING showcase of skill, camaraderie, and unwavering determination, the King Price Namibian National Bowls Championships unfolded this year from May 4th to 11th.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Namibia’s heartland, the tournament drew bowlers from across the region. Notably, a contingent of players from South Africa added an exciting layer of competition and charm to the event.
Among the stars at the competition was Marietjie van den Berg, the dual-citizenship dynamo who calls Upington home but has strong roots in Namibia. Marietjie, who is celebrated as one of the top female bowlers in both South Africa and Namibia, continued her reign of dominance much to the delight of her fans on both sides of the border.
After the tournament, the DFA interviewed Kimberlite Susan Venter, a representative from Beaconsfield Park Bowling Club. Susan enthusiastically shared her excitement about the event.
“We played matches all week, with the finals on Saturday,” she said. “We competed in pairs, trips, fours, mixed pairs, and singles. As a team, we clinched the titles in trips and fours, while Petro Breedt and Marietjie won the pairs. Marietjie also kept her singles title, marking a fantastic achievement for her.”
Venter further reflected on the experience with palpable enthusiasm. “The competition was tough, but we gained a lot of experience and had so much fun. The Namibian community was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they’ve invited more South African teams to join next year.”
Marietjie herself was thrilled with the level of competition this year.
“The matches were intense, and we played from morning till evening,” she told the DFA. “The rising talent among the young players is very encouraging for the future of the sport,” she added.
“Keeping my singles title for the third consecutive year was particularly challenging. Competing against players who practise on these greens daily makes a victory here very special.”
The tournament’s vibrant atmosphere, with long days filled with strategic play and friendly banter, showcased the spirit of bowls. Marietjie’s near-clean sweep in the competition highlighted not just her prowess but also the strength and unity of the team.
“This year was fantastic,” she said, beaming with pride. “Winning almost everything we entered was a remarkable result for us. I’m incredibly proud of our achievements,” she concluded.