Representing South Africa in Bowls World Indoor Champs is 'a dream come true' for Keegan Bauristhene

For 24-year-old Keegan Bauristhene, the dream he has carried since the first day he picked up a bowl is finally becoming reality. As he prepares to represent South Africa in Ireland in the World Bowls Junior Indoor Championship from December 1, he speaks with a mixture of pride, determination and youthful excitement that bodes well for the international stage awaiting him.

“It is an absolute dream and honour for me to represent South Africa,” he says. “I have always dreamt of playing at the highest level and the time has now come.”

Although Keegan is known as an outdoor bowler, he has embraced the challenge of competing on synthetic indoor greens — surfaces that are significantly faster and demand a different tactical mindset.

Earlier this year he travelled to Midstream BC to train indoors - an experience that proved invaluable. Over a number of long days and late nights, he played three assessments, eight singles matches and twelve pairs games — sometimes ending well after 10pm. Winning almost 80% of these games, many against Open Protea, provincial and former national players, gave him a huge boost in confidence.

“It was an amazing experience,” he says. “Those games helped me realise that I can compete at this level.”

Keegan adjusted relatively quickly to the new conditions, “The synthetic greens are quicker which takes away many of the shots we normally play outdoors,” he explains. “The lines are different too, but I look forward to the challenge in Ireland.”

He is grateful for the guidance, given at Midstream, by his coach and mentor, Johan du Plessis, the Head SA Selector. “He has contributed hugely to my preparation for Ireland - his guidance and advice have been invaluable.”

The prospect of competing internationally brings not only sporting excitement, but also personal discovery. Keegan is eager to experience Ireland and test himself against bowlers from around the world. “I’m keen to see how other countries approach the game,” he says. 

With the draw now released, Keegan has set ambitious goals: winning his section in both singles and pairs and bringing home medals. He is particularly excited about facing New Zealand’s Camron Horo and Ireland’s Daniel Spratt in the singles; and playing against England with his pairs partner, 20-year old Leila Snyman from Krugersdorp BC in Sables BA. “I get nervous the closer the event comes,” he admits, “but nerves make me more motivated and determined.”

For Keegan, wearing Protea colours is the culmination of years of effort. “It is the proudest achievement of my life,” he says. “I’ve been waiting for this since the day I started bowling.”

As he heads to Ireland, Keegan offers heartfelt encouragement to young bowlers to persevere with a strong practice regime, especially his twin brother Jarred: “Never give up. Believe in yourself every step of the way. Jarred - keep pushing—I have no doubt your Protea colours will be a reward.”

PNB bowlers will be cheering as Keegan steps onto the fast Irish indoor greens, ready to make his mark.