Young bowler eager to refine greens skills

WHAT started as curiosity evolved into a serious love affair for bowls.

Awongiwe Somtseu’s, 23, first time tapping into his bowling potential led to the adoration of the sport in which he now challenges his skill at every game.

“What motivates me most is pushing myself every time I step in the field striving to be better and the fact that there are no advantages or disadvantages about the game. You can beat anyone if you really believe and play well on the day. And the sport is fun and I enjoy it,” said the Montclair resident.

He ranks thirteenth in the men’s district and believes he is in the top five at the Durban Wanderers Bowling Club.

“I’m quite lucky when it comes to my role models because they happen to play in my club. Paul White is a junior Springbok and the other one currently ranks at number one in the district and a current Springbok, Wayne Ritmiller and Wayne Robert. These three all have differences that I am trying to take from each of them and maybe combine them to form some sort of strength of my own,” he said.

Besides bowls, he also dabbles with netball to keep fit as he finds the sport to be very fast-paced as it involves running.

“In every sport I play, I push myself to the limit and try my hardest to be a good sportsman. I’ve won many competitions including club singles.”

“The year before I won the singles I was a runner-up. I have not won any titles as yet at the district level but I know I will soon because I’ve been close multiple times, either losing in the quarter, semis or finals but I won’t stop trying.”

“My biggest desire is one day to play for South Africa but I know I have to be determined and practice hard to achieve that goal. But I’m still young, I have plenty of time to improve myself.”

“I would love to see many youngsters playing bowls, it is not as they call it ‘old people’s marbles’ it’s actually an amazing game and a very challenging sport that I’ve ever tried,” said the amateur artist and singer.