01 Mar 2022

The sporting fraternity has described former softball player, dedicated civil servant and diplomat, Bruce Palai as a selfless, sociable and honest person. 

In their eulogies on Monday, different speakers described Palai as a goal-oriented and dedicated individual who was accepted by man.  He got along with people from various social backgrounds.

They echoed this during Palai’s memorial service organised by the softball fraternity, in collaboration with the Botswana National Sport Commission and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport, and Culture Development

Palai (63), who was the country’s ambassador to China, died last week at Bokamoso Hospital.

He was a member of the softball national team that won the Zone Six softball tournament in 1983, defeating Zambia and Zimbabwe. He also played as a shot stopper for the Vikings softball team from 1980 until he retired in the early 90s.

After retiring, he became secretary general of the Botswana Softball Association and also was elected president in 1994.

Botswana National Sport Commission chairperson, Marumo Morule, described Palai as a player, administrator, and ambassador of the sport, saying he articulated issues well and managed to apply himself appropriately despite the various positions he held.

He stated that Palai was eager to share his softball knowledge with others, particularly upcoming players and that during games, he never hesitated to scout youngsters and groom them in sports-related matters.

Morule also challenged the softball community to consider establishing a softball museum to archive the history created by icons such as Palai so that future generations could learn and know about the contributions they made to the development of the sport.

Nathaniel Kebalefetse, a representative from Vikings, said Palai ran his race well and left a legacy that many would tap into.

He stated that during his time at the club, he maintained consistency and contributed to the growth of the sport.

“When Palai initially joined the club in 1980, he was reserved and kept his composure displaying off his skills, owing to the fact that he still wanted to become acquainted with the tactics of the firing squad he found there. He demonstrated practical skills that earned him a position as a pillar of the softball national team,” he said.

Gopolang Matsila, a representative of the softball Women’s National Team in 1994, stated that Palai believed in teamwork and self-discipline.

She stated that she began as a netball player and was recruited to join softball under the tutelage of Palai and that she has never looked back and has enjoyed the sport ever since.

He will be laid to rest in his homeland of Mochudi today. BOPA