14 Dec 2022

Botswana Softball Association (BSA) has launched a local organising committee (LOC) tasked with preparing for Africa Softball Senior Women Qualifiers scheduled for Gaborone February 6-10.

The LOC comprises Tirelo Mukukomani as chairperson, Same Molete, Constance Kolaatamo, Pako Maforaga, Abel Mataboge and Puso Kgosietsile.

Speaking at the launch, Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) vice chairperson, Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego said she was happy that due process was followed when BSA bid for the qualifiers.

She said Botswana would be hosting a softball event of this magnitude for the first time.

“The majority of the qualifiers I am told have all along been hosted by South Africa. And this event will pave way for two senior women teams to qualify for a place at the Europe/Africa Stage later in the year to determine those that will reach the world competition in 2024,” she said.

Lebotse-Sebego said it would not be the first time for the softball association to host an event of international standard given that in 2017, it successfully hosted the World Baseball Softball Confederation Congress, which was attended by over 200 countries.

This, she said, was in line with the BNSC strategy for national federations to host regional, continental and international events to  help grow the economy.

“With at least six countries expected to participate in these qualifiers, I am convinced it will leave legacy for young athletes to associate themselves with softball and sport in general,” she said.

Furthermore, Lebotse-Sebego advised the LOC to leave no stone unturned in putting up a good show on behalf of the softball fraternity, sport and the country at large.

BSA president, Katlholo Mosimanegape, said participating countries would be expected to pay their own bills such as accommodation while in Botswana. ENDs