Africa-Press – Botswana. Fireworks are expected tomorrow at the National Diamond and the University of Botswana Softball Diamond when eight softball clubs from the north and the south clash for the ultimate prize in the Botswana Softball Association Men’s Championship.
The tournament will be played over two days starting tomorrow. Teams that have qualified for the men’s championship are Comets, Scramblers, Police IX, BDF IX, Carats, Wells, Gatalamotho and Panthers. The absence of traditional powerhouse, Rail Giants from the north, has opened up the competition. Giants’ coach, Pako Maforaga told Mmegi Sport that they failed to come together on time and prepare, adding that they were slow to get off the block. Carats from Orapa cannot be undermined and their spokesperson, Phologo Lebopo said they are ready for the challenge. He said preparations for the championship went well, but there are complaints. Carats’ dominance starts on the mound with Gideon Puakaa and Otsile Badumile bringing in world-class pitching to the defence. Jwaneng’s Wells is a force to reckon with and some of the players expected to make it to the start sheet are national team players Karabo Motsholathebe, Thabiso Radithobane, Tshepo Ditiro and Albert Kganetso.
Gadifele Gaotlhobogwe is also expected to be in the Wells line-up. Wells manager, Moffat Fanah Kgotlaetsile said his side boasts of talent and every player who is in the starting line-up can deliver. “We are busy preparing. COVID-19 has affected our plans to the extent that we have players training in Gaborone, Jwaneng, and Orapa. This is hitting us hard. Knowing Wells, we are up to the task ahead of us,” he said. Police IX manager, Diketso Gaborone said the team has been preparing well and the morale is high.
He said they have a few injuries, which they are monitoring ahead of the weekend. Police IX would pin hopes on the shoulders of Kefilwe Tayo Kenosi, Moses Kgosimore, Eric Simwanza and Zibisani Samuel. Meanwhile, Botswana Softball Association secretary-general, Nozie Malunga Payet said all systems are in place for the tournament. She said Hoshiyama Takashi would throw the official pitch. The women’s championship was held last weekend in Selebi-Phikwe and Police IX emerged as the champions. The championship brought together four clubs from the south and the same number from the North. The sides were Titans, Carats, Vikings, UB Giants, Rail Giants, Scramblers, Police IX, and Ghetto Yankees.
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