Ideal role models pave way for future bowls excellence
“It is important we still find that balance between sport and education.”
Some may wilt under the intense pressure of living up to expectations, but one young lawn bowls ace is relishing this challenge.
Son of the current District and Gauteng champion, Wilson Malobolo, 10-year-old Culembeeck Primary School learner Lerato Malobolo recently claimed his first title on the green, winning the Witpoortjie Bowls Club men’s nominated pairs with his father. The shy young gentleman is one of very few words, but anyone who has faced him on the greens knows Lerato saves his fire and intensity for competitive battle.
Father Wilson paved the way for Lerato in much the same way as Wilson’s brother, Morgan Muvhango, did for him. Morgan plays for Discovery Bowls Club and is also a South African national team representative, meaning Lerato has two close role models to draw ample inspiration from. When Wilson was 18, Morgan convinced Witpoortjie to take him on as green ranger, and the rest is history.
Lerato still has many years ahead of him, and his love of soccer and cricket may still take him down many other paths. That said, he is keen to emulate his father and pursue the family tradition, wherever that may lead. His watchful father is keeping him grounded, however, saying, “It is important we still find that balance between sport and education”.
Bringing the youth into lawn bowls has always been a challenge, but Witpoortjie Bowls Club has enlisted the services of renowned Sables stalwart, Brian Oxley, to offer coaching to children on Tuesday evenings. Lerato may not have much competition his own age, but with his father’s guiding hand he is teaching some of the old heads a few new tricks.
