By Gert de Jager
Six new Protea players will represent South Africa during the African States bowling tournament in Namibia.
The tournament takes place from 26 to 30 June in Windhoek and six countries will participate. The other countries are Botswana, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe and host country Namibia.
The new Proteas are Niksa Benguric, Marizelle Rousseau, Panache Ziramba (all from BGN), Francesca Baleri (KZN), John Molupi (EKB) and Wayne Roberts (PN). The other team members are Charles Mathewson (Northern Cape), Victor Siphali (JBA), Jacqui Janse van Rensburg (JBA) and Dezi Rozenblatt (OP).
The women’s team’s average age is just under 30 years and that of the men almost 40.
Rousseau (26), Baleri (25), Ziramba (24) and Mathewson (28) are the youngsters in the ranks.
The six teams will compete in four disciplines, namely singles, pairs, triples and fours.
The tournament is considered one of the prestige bowling tournaments in Africa and a tough battle is expected.
Namibia should also be able to make good use of its home court advantage in the fight for medals.
