Senior softball men readying for World Cup qualifiers

Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday December 18, 2021 06:00

The premier men’s softball event in the world will be held from February 19 to 27 at ELE Rosedale Park in Auckland, New Zealand, with the top players from the best 12 teams in the world competing for the title of World Champion.

Through the continental championships, which serve as official qualifiers, the global representation of the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup will be as follows: one slot for Africa, Asia two slots, four slots for Americas while Europe has two. Oceania has two while a single slot has been reserved for a wild card. Countries are expected to confirm their participation in January.

Botswana Softball Association (BSA) secretary-general, Nozie Payet told Mmegi Sport that they did not have enough funds to have two teams on camp. She said the team selection started early December and the team comprises senior men and Under-23 players. The other team that was supposed to go on camp is the men’s Under-23. “Due to the long break because of the COVID-19 pandemic and suspension of sport, it was logical to send the senior men’s team than the junior men who do not have much experience internationally or locally,” she said.

Payet said Goodhope Senior Secondary School is the softball Centre of Excellence and since schools are closed, accommodation was readily available. She added that the school has the much-needed facilities.

Payet said recently BSA received P250,000 from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC) through the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) to upgrade the grounds at the school. “We have also received development funding to kickstart our activities. So, we will start in January. The programme is being finalised,” she said. Senior team coach, Pako Maforaga said everything is going well in the camp. He said they are progressing despite the long break.

He said currently he has 18 players from which a final 15 will be picked. “It is not easy to work with players after such a long break because mostly we concentrate on conditioning,” Maforaga said. The team: Pitchers: Kagiso Mogale, Pamidzani Mazulungwa, Karabo Motsholathebe and Kunyalala Samuel. Catchers: Unaswi Gudu, Thabiso Radithobane, Rannaneng Mothudi and Morulaganyi Moalosi. Infielders: Jurry Manaka, Gofaone Monkemedi, Reuben Office, Tshepho Ditiro, Kefilwe Kenosi, Brian De Koker and Tiro Mazulungwa. Outfielders: Baolopi Thamuku, Eric Simwanza and Albert Kganetso. Assistant coaches: Otimile Tapiso, Basiame Molathiwa and Tony Moyo.