04 Oct 2022

BDF 1X men and Police 1X women teamswere  crowned the inaugural 2022 Archein Independence softball champions in Gaborone on Sunday.

   In the mens games, BDF 1X beat 10-9 against Police 1X in a men’s final that was  won in style as the teams had to go to the penalties after they finished with five all in regulation time.

It was evident that both sides were in no attitude of surrendering judging by the determination they displayed towards the game.

The army lads could have finished the game in the sixth inning but made a mistake by not walking Eric Simwanza who proved to be an obstacle to them throughout the tournament, with his home runs.

Still in the sixth inning both teams made three runs, and it was in the seventh inning that BDF managed to seal the game as they made two runs through Unaswi Gudu and Mabedi Senyerero, while Police only managed to make a single run by Moses Kgosimore.

BDF 1X coach Tapologo Moremedi said he was happy with the team’s performance, given that although their opponents had levelled the matter in the fifth inning they continued with their fighting spirit, and managed to win the game 10-9.

He said he was aware that they could have finished the game before going to the penalties, however ‘Police was very good in defense, and therefore their plan was to try to reduce their fighting force.’

He said the intention  was to close the game at the bottom of their order, adding that Police player Simwanza was dangerous on the day, hence they had to come with a solid plan to win the championship.

“Simwanza is one guy who always ensures that Police wins, so he is always hard to handle,” he said.

On the other hand, Police coach, Godson Motsumi said he was proud of his team given that they fought to the end.

He said coming from behind to force the game into penalties was a clear indication that the game was tough and his players were not spectators.

“We did what we were supposed to do but luck was not on our side, we made some errors and our pitcher was not well.  We lost to a better side at the end of the day and congratulations to them.”

Meanwhile, BDF women had to surrender the game in the second inning after sensing that Police was going to embarrass them as they were already leading 9-0.

Police IX’s Simwanza won the Most Valuable Player and best Batter awards and his team mate  Unaswi Gudu won the best catcher award. All was not lost for the army side  as their player Kagiso Mogale was bestowed  best pitcher award.

In the women’s category Most Valuable Player went to Kesego Segwe of BDF, and her teammate Boitshwarelo Sefo won the best pitcher.

Police players Kagiso Thina and Magdeline Mmapitsa won the best batter and catcher respectively.  ENDS