Ekurhuleni bowler shines after standout season
Ekurhuleni bowler John Molupi is aiming for a place in Team South Africa at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after a season of major wins and consistent performances.
Lawn bowler John Molupi has his sights firmly on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year after rounding off a stellar season by clinching the coveted Ekurhuleni Bowls (EKB) Victor Ludorum award.
Molupi’s season was marked by consistency and class. Alongside his partners, he captured the regional trips and mixed fours titles, reached the quarter-finals of the pairs, and finished runner-up in the EKB Masters.
He also successfully defended his Champion of Champions crown, underlining his dominance on the green.
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“This means a lot to me. I’m especially grateful to my teammates and club. Achieving this means the world. It’s going to help me a lot because the national team selectors will see what I’ve achieved,” Molupi said.
The bowler said he hopes his performances have done enough to earn him a place in the South African team for the Commonwealth Games, but admitted that only hard work and consistency will secure his spot.
“To be part of that team won’t be easy. It requires hard work. I’m prepared to put in the work.
“I will continue practising consistently. Hopefully, this will help me get selected. Next week, I’m going to a one-day national camp with the team for the World Bowls. It’s going to be a good experience for me.”
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The Lake Club Benoni member, from Matwabeng Township in the Free State rural town of Senekal, said he will strive to win a gold medal if selected to represent South Africa in the quadrennial competition.
“It’s going to be a huge honour for me. Even representing SA at the African States tournament was a big deal.
“Representing the country in any tournament is an honour. I always give my all when I put on the green and gold.
“Like I did at the African States champs, if I go to the UK, I will aim to dominate and bring back a gold,” he said.
Molupi started as a greenkeeper in Springs before the late Barry Walker took him under his wing and taught him the game.
“I started in 2010 by keeping the green in Springs. I would watch the matches with interest. One day, Barry Walker asked if I could play. I told him I wanted to, but didn’t know how. He taught me how to play. I’ll always be grateful to him.”
