In October last year, Malatji asked ReMax, where he works as an agent, if he could join their team for the annual business league presented by the club and sponsored by the Herald and ReMax. During the tournament, he fell in love with the sport and in November joined the Tzaneen Bowls Club. In January became an official member. Mahlatji is originally from Polokwane and when he moved to Tzaneen, he found the town quiet compared to Polokwane.

“But by joining the club I got to meet new people, socialise, and make new friends.” Thus far he has played in four competitions. “In the first one, I partnered with Bertie Nel, the club’s chairman, and we lost in the finals. “The second tourney was a singles’ tourney for new members, and I lost in the group stages. “The following competition was the men’s singles and I lost in the quarterfinals. “The last competition was the club championship where I became the men’s handicap champion,” he says.

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“It was my first win, but there is more to come,” he promises enthusiastically. “You hear people say that bowls are an old people’s sport, but to me, it is not. It is not just about throwing the ball; it is a strategic sport where you have to think.”

He uses a set of balls provided by the club. “I had to teach myself to play with them, but I am now looking to buy my own balls, but they are expensive,” he says. His biggest compliment came from Nel. “He said I have a natural talent and helped me with technique.” He also thanked William Klingel for taking him under his wing and teaching him the finer details of the game. To sponsor a set of balls for Mahlatji, call him at 072 018 2442.