Lesotho fails to qualify for World Softball Championship

28
Lesotho fails to qualify for World Softball Championship
Lesotho fails to qualify for World Softball Championship

Africa-PressLesotho. Lesotho failed to qualify for the 2019 World Softball Championships after losing all their games at the Senior Men’s World Softball Championship Qualifiers held in Tshwane, South Africa over the weekend.

Lesotho was bidding for the qualification ticket against South Africa and Botswana. The tournament was a tough journey for the Mountain Kingdom’s side from day one, when they lost 9-0 to Botswana before suffering a 10-0 drubbing against the host side-South Africa.

Things did not get better the next day as Lesotho were again outplayed 10-0 by South Africa. In their last game against Botswana, the score increased from 9-0 to 26-1 in favor of Botswana.

Only two countries were to qualify for the Senior Men’s World Championships that would be hosted in Prague, Czech Republic in June. Botswana and South Africa sealed their qualifications. We were consoled with bronze medals and a full softball kit equipment.

Countries that were expected for the tournament were Botswana, the host South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and Lesotho but only South Africa, Lesotho and Botswana showed up as the rest pulled out in the last minute.

The team’s head coach Mr Molope Mphahama, said even though they did not qualify for the real extravaganza, they believe the experience gained will help them in the future.

“However, networking with other coaches has given us insight that our skillset is not entirely questionable as we rank a somewhat similar caliber in terms of pitching mechanics and quick hands when batting.

So they gave us some drills to work with and I think they will help us a lot,” said Mphahama. Lesotho will be in Tshwane again this year for the Olympic Qualifiers.

Mphahama believes by then they will be the better side owing to an anticipated performance boost inspired by the kit received. Last year Mphahama led the ladies’ team at the same tournament. This was his first time leading a male team at the same tournament.

Team Lesotho from the World Softball Championship Qualifiers;

Players

; Tumelo Makhakhe, Thabiso Namane, Mohloki Monne, Hlalele Ts’olo,Bohlale Mots’ela,Mabilikoe Taoana,Khehla Khabanyane,Kamoho Fosa, Refiloe Lichaba, Sechaba Qobolo,Sekonyela Lebellang, Keitumetse Ts’ufu, Malefane Monne, Kenneth Morie, Monaheng Mahobe and Bakoena Seleteng.

Team Manager

; Khothatso Thamae.

Head Coach

; Molope Mphahama.

Assistant Coach

; Thato Makhakhe.

Admin

; Ester Semana.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here