12 Jul 2022

Softball enthusiasts are anticipating mouthwatering games at the Selebi Phikwe Softball Extravaganza billed for Mowana Ball Park over the long weekend.

The July 16-18 extravaganza is one of the lucrative tournaments in the local softball calendar. 

A total of 16 teams, eight from the north and  others from south, will slug it out in the tourney.

The opening game from Pool A under the men’s category will be between Selebi Phikwe-based Comets and Police IX. 

Rail giants from Mahalapye will face Vikings in the second game.

Pool B is made up of the defending champions, BDF IX, Rebels, Wells and Carats men.

In Pool X, Comets women will lock horns with Police IX while Ghetto Yankees will face BDF. 

Pool Y is made up of Vikings, Rail Giants, Titans and Carats.

Softball Extravaganza chairperson, Oeme Morupisi, said in an interview that preparations for the event were at an advanced stage with Selebi Phikwe Town Council (SPTC) doing finishing touches on renovations at the Mowana Ball Park.

“We are looking to host softball teams from the north and south zones. We also managed to secure balls from South Africa, which will be used during the games,” he said.

Sponsored by SPEDU to the tune of P300 000, this year’s extravaganza will see teams competing for the P20 000 first prize, while the second runner-up will pocket P18 000.

Morupisi explained that players would also get the opportunity to win individual prizes with the Most Valuable Player, Best Slugger, Best pitcher and Best Catcher walking home with a trophy and P750 each.

He further explained that teams, which did not make it to the games, would  receive P8 000 consolation prize.

On other issues, he said softball also suffered some serious setbacks due to vandalism of softball courts at Mowana Ball Park during the past two years when games were halted due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenges, he said SPEDU, SPTC and Comets had partnered to bring back the softball tournament against all odds. Ends