Jack is not an ordinary greenkeeper or barman

POLOKWANE – Jack Mothapo (47) started playing bowls five years ago when he started working at the Polokwane Bowls Club as a greenkeeper and barman.

“Christo van der Merwe taught me how to play bowls, so I started practising and got good at it,” says Jack.

Jack took part in his first bowling tournament in the same year he started playing bowls, competing against the Mokopane Bowls Club and he won.

After winning the match against Mokopane, he competed in Tzaneen, where he won and against Duiwelskloof, where he also won, taking home a gold medal.

His performance in these tournaments landed him a place in the finals.

“I was unlucky in the finals as I didn’t win, but I did well,” says Jack, who will be competing in the Polokwane Bowls Club men’s competition on Sunday.

For Jack, bowls is challenging and this is why he enjoys it so much. “Both sides want to win, so both give it their best. Going against someone who is better than me and beating them is the best feeling,” says Jack.

To fullfill his dream of one day being the champion of champions, Jack practices almost every evening from 18:00 until 22:00.

Jack cannot always take part in every competition as he also works at the bar at the bowls club. “They always need someone to be there, but when I get the chance to compete, I give it my all,” he explains.

This enthusiastic player looks up to club member, Jules Coetzer, who also taught him a lot about the sport.

“He shows me better ways to play and achieve higher scores. He knows the way I play and I enjoy it when we play together,” he says.

“Bowls is not for old people, anyone can take part in the sport. The more you play, the more you will enjoy and love the sport.”