13 May 2024

Diamonds Masters women’s team and Moletlane Texas men are the 2024 Botswana Softball Masters Association (BOSMA) tournament champions.

The Gaborone-based softball team, Diamonds Masters women’s team defended the title, which they won last year when they defeated MaYoung Ladies from South Africa 9-3 in the final played at Francistown Cricket Oval grounds on May 11.

On the men’s final, South Africa-based team, Moletlane Texas beat Orapa Masters 6-0.

Both champions walked away with a trophy and gold medals whilst second and third runners won silver and bronze medals respectively.

Settling for the second spot in the men’s category and women’s category were the Orapa Masters and MaYoung Ladies respectively, whilst third position on the Men’s category went to Jwaneng KDK and the women category was Orapa Masters.

The three-day annual tournament was attended by teams from Botswana namely Diphala Masters, Divas, Orapa Masters, Free Souls, Jwaneng KDK, Diamonds Masters and former Masters, So’balldad Masters.

Four teams from South Africa, which featured in the tournament were MaYoung Ladies, Moletlane Texas, The Flames and Best Beaters. 

Speaking at the prize giving ceremony, nominated councillor, Modiri Lucas said the tournament was more than just a series of games, but a platform for unity, resilience and progress.

“Through our shared passion for softball, we have forged bonds that transcend boundaries of age, gender and background. 

We have shown that when we come together with a purpose and determination, we can achieve extraordinary things,” said Lucas.

He said in softball, every swing of the bat represented an opportunity for change as illustrated by this year’s tournament theme; Swing for Change, which he added inspired greatness. 

“As we reflect on accomplishments of our players and teams, we should also recognise the power of sports to drive meaningful change in our communities and beyond,” he said. 

Lucas also commended BOSMA for donating a house to a need person in Matsiloje on the sidelines of the tournament. 

“This alone is a welcome development and I pray that you also consider your Corporate Social Responsibility in Francistown.

He said Francistown had a high number of vulnerable communities as the city still had people who slept in houses without doors and locks, hence they needed the help. 

BOSMA was founded in 2019 with the mandate to support its mother body, Botswana Softball Association (BSA) financially and in all its projects., including promoting softball development at grassroots level, as evidenced by the attendance of students from John Makhenzie and Clifton schools from Francistown. John Makhenzie walloped Clifton 9-3 in the schools final. The next BOSMA tournament will be held in Orapa in May. ENDS