01 Feb 2023

- Botswana Softball Association (BSA) has selected a senior women’s softball squad to represent the country at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Africa qualifiers in Gaborone February 6-10.

The team, currently in camp in Jwaneng, will battle it out with other African countries.

Only two teams will proceed to the next stage of the tournament.

National team coach, Phibion Tawina, said he was happy with the team’s level of preparedness, adding players were responding well to training and all were looking forward to the competition.

He said his team desired to move to the next stage of the competition and ultimately qualify for the World Cup.

The team, which has a blend of youngsters and experienced players, is expected to do well given the home ground advantage.

“But, the only disadvantage is that we are not sure as to which countries will be coming, and it would have been ideal if we knew which countries we are going to face so that we prepare for them, but we know that South Africa has confirmed that they will be coming,” he said.

Tawina said Batswana should come in large numbers to support the team, adding that their mission was to make the country proud.

 

National team list:

Pitchers: Onneetse Ribbin (Police IX), Sixpence Gotlamang (Vikings) and Wangu Gondo (Titans)

Catchers: Magdeline Mmapitsa (Police IX) and Bafedile Dube (Vikings)

Infield: Tuna Passman, Otsile Moshabe, Charity Isaac (Police IX), Onkokame Tlhakoyakgomo, Lereng Mokgotle (Titans) and Kedibonye Mogatusi (Vikings).

Outfield: Bonobo Molefe (Police IX), Keletso Mogale (BDF IX), Lesego Rankwaila (Panthers), Kagiso Tina (Police IX) and Maitumelo Serumola (Titans).

Alternatives: Kesego Segwe -infield (BDF IX), and Ndapiwa Mothakaja -catcher (Carats). ENDS