When Michael Boshoff introduced his 15-year-old son, Nicah, to lawn bowls just a little over a year ago, he had no idea he had a young pro on his hands. Soon Nicah would prove just how good he would become at the sport that only started as a hobby.
He was recently chosen to represent the Eastern Cape in the Bowls South Africa National Championships in Bloemfontein in March.
“My dad introduced me to the sport of lawn bowls in 2022. He was looking for a competitive, yet fun activity, in which we could both participate. He asked me if I would like to go and play bowls with him.
“We then decided to have a look at Mill Park Bowls Club, and had our first roll in June 2022. We decided to join the club as members in September 2022,” Nicah explained.
“At first I did not know much about the sport. My father showed me a few videos on YouTube and I thought that it looked very interesting, which fuelled my curiosity. Many people have this idea that lawn bowls is just for ‘old people’, but that’s far from true. I have met up with many young people who play and enjoy the sport,” the teen added.
Nicah said lawn bowls is much more competitive, intriguing and exciting than many give it credit for.
“You have to constantly think about the speed of the green, the other bowls on the rink, where you should bowl in order to draw the shot and many other factors.”
He likened the sport to chess, snooker and maths, all in one.
“I love the strategising, the gameplay and the socialising afterwards. In the short time that I’ve been playing bowls I have met and played against the most wonderful people,” he said.
Formal education is a priority in many households, and the Boshoffs are no different. Due to a long-term illness, Nicah has been home-schooled since 2019. He suffers from chronic encopresis due to the fact that his colon did not develop properly. He has been hospitalised five times in the last three years, because of this.
In bowls he has found a sport that he enjoys, and in which he excels, and it takes his mind off his condition. This allows Michael, who is Nicah’s teacher and coach, to work his son’s practice schedule out accordingly.
Most lawn bowls events are played on weekends, so his schoolwork is not interfered with.
About the upcoming championships that he and his father are preparing for, Nicah said he feels both excited and nervous.
“The standard of play was very high throughout the day of nominations, and I was not sure I had done enough to make the u/18 squad. When they called us together and started announcing the squads, I was extremely anxious and nervous. When they called my name out I felt like I was on top of the world!” he exclaimed.
Michael shared the same excitement as his son.
“Proud does not come close to describe what I feel. I have to constantly remind myself that he has only been playing bowls for about 18 months, and that he is only 15 years old (although he was selected for u/18 squad). When they announced his name that day it felt as if my heart was going to explode. All the hard work; all the hours and hours of practising and coaching; all the sacrifices that were made. It was worth it. In spite of all the challenges that Nicah has faced, and is still facing, with regard to his health, he has made it! I want him to become the kind of man who perseveres and never gives up. No matter what people may say, if you are willing to work hard, push through and discipline yourself, you can do it,” the proud dad said.
Juanita Boshoff, Nicah’s mother, thanks God for her son’s bravery and excellence.
“My son has always made me proud to stand next to him and ‘shout’ to the world, this is my son. I thanked God every day since Nicah was born for the talents that He has blessed him with. He has been such a blessing for us as parents. The day Nicah went for the trials for the u/18 squad, I was very nervous and told him that he must just give his best and play his game, and God will sort out the rest. When his dad phoned me to let me know that he was chosen for the squad, I was crying and laughing at the same time, I was so happy and proud of him, and all the hard work that he and his dad/coach have been doing. It all paid off. I always tell my kids, never give up and never stop dreaming.”
In the future, Nicah plans on continuing with the sport, but has something else he’d like to pursue with his supportive father.
“Not many people can make a living by only playing lawn bowls. However, I would like to participate in lawn bowls for as long as possible, and hope to continue to represent the Eastern Cape and maybe the Proteas one day, for many years to come. While I’m not competing on the greens, I plan to open my own vintage coffee shop one day, with my dad, of course!”
The Boshoff family thanked their friends and fellow bowlers at the Mill Park Bowling Club.
“They say that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, we can tell you that it takes an active, involved and supportive bowls club to raise a great bowler. You guys are the best!”
