THE country’s social Bowls BPL League roared into life last week as teams from across Zimbabwe gathered for the first tournament of the year, promising fierce competition, prize money and growing regional interest.
League director Lionel Coventry said the tournament features 12 teams competing in an 11-round round-robin format, with matches played in pairs and trips.
“The teams are made up of between six and 12 players, and we select our own players from around the country,” he said.
“There is no controlling body telling us who to pick.
“You must play a minimum of five players each round and rotate your reserve at least three times.”
He said the competition will rotate between Bulawayo, Harare and Kadoma, with the final set for Bulawayo.
Coventry revealed that three teams from Namibia and three from South Africa have been invited to take part later in the season.
“If you finish in the top six, you will get the opportunity to compete against the invitational teams from Namibia and South Africa, adding that both countries had confirmed participation and were expected to submit their team details before August.”
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Coventry described the league as a social event with prize money, operating independently but with permission from Zimbabwe Bowls.
“We run it ourselves under an executive,” he said.
“It is not attached to any specific club, even though we use different venues.”
The tournament boasts US$3 000 in prize money, alongside an auction system where supporters bid on teams, with 70% of the auction proceeds going to winners.
“Sometimes it pays up to US$1 500 for the winner of the auction,” Coventry said.
He praised sponsors for making the event possible, highlighting Budget Meat Shop as the main sponsor this year.
Other businesses have also contributed towards prizes and logistics.
“Without the sponsors, this would not have happened, they have really come to the party.”
The league has also been pushing a schools development initiative to revive interest in bowls among young players, although challenges remain in securing recognition as an official afternoon sport.
Despite the hurdles, Coventry said increased competition was sharpening players’ skills.
“We used to meet once a year at nationals, now we are playing more competitive bowls throughout the year, and that improves our standards,” he said.
The initiative is expected to strengthen national selection prospects ahead of upcoming continental competitions.
