30 May 2022

The final of the Men’s Softball Top 8 Championship that pitted Police IX and BDF IX was nothing but sheer brilliance.

The game, which was played at the National Diamond on Sunday, saw both teams playing superbly and was ultimately decided on penalties, which saw Police IX winning by a run.

The resilient teams, with long standing rivalry, concluded six innings without a run, leading to the match going to ‘penalties’ on the 7th inning.

Despite playing back to back matches prior to the final, both teams were equally determined to walk away as champions. Police IX was the luckier of the two, clinching the title, which came with a trophy, gold medals and P15 000 participation fee.

BDF IX were runner-ups and were consoled with silver medals, a trophy and P12 000.

Though delighted with his team’s performance and winning the championship, Police IX coach, Tebogo Makacana said the boys had a long way to go in fine turning their game to the desired level.

Makacana said despite the lengthy layoff as a result of COVID-19, the boys were hungry to play and therefore their determination, resilience and the love of the game pulled them through.

“I am happy with the boys, they worked hard, we came ready and our morale was boosted by the support from softball lovers. We pulled through and our plan is to continue with the good performance,” he said.

Meanwhile, BDF IX coach, Tapologo Moremedi said his boys did not have a good start to the tournament, as the first day of the tournament (Saturday) was packed, therefore allowing very limited time for rest between matches.

Moremedi however, said his team pulled through to the final where they were met by an equally determined team. He said the players suffered concentration lapses, therefore giving their opponent opportunity to match their game plan, adding “it was a crucial final, which both teams were determined to win”.

Wells Internationale from Jwaneng came third, winning P10 000 and bronze medals, with team captain, Baolopi Thamuku saying he was impressed by the team’s performance.

Thamuku said despite the excellent performance, their players were currently scattered all over the country, with some staying as far as Gaborone and Francistown, therefore having limited time to do well. He indicated that the team was determined to retain the good performance after finishing second in the league, having lost one game against Police IX.

Thamuku was equally delighted that softball was back to play, saying his team was determined to keep up the good performance.

The tournament also acknowledged individuals’ performance, which were dominated by Police IX players. Samuel Kunyalala walked away as the best pitcher, Eric Simwanza was best bettor and Mothudi Rannaneng was the most valuable player.   

The President of Botswana Softball Association (BSA), Katlholo Mosimanegape appreciated the support for the revival of sport in general, with games starting in February after a lengthy layoff. “I can confirm that softball is back,” said Mosimanegape.  He said the game will go for a short recess before going through the preliminary stages of the Selebi Phikwe extravaganza scheduled for President’s Day holidays in July.

He said the Selebi Phikwe extravaganza will be followed by the Independence tournament, revealing also that sponsorship for the Independence tournament had been secured and will be launched in due course. ENDS