Motsumi, one of softball's illustrious sons retires
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday October 14, 2023 06:00
Despite appearing fit for more years on the field, Motsumi believes he has contributed enough to softball.
The retirement ceremony was made special as Motsumi hit the ball out of the park during the tournament, securing victory for Police IX.
Motsumi, who turned 47 last month, has a longstanding involvement with softball since 1992.
“My first interaction with softball was in 1992 during Physical Education lessons at Nanogang Junior Secondary School in Gaborone. There was another player, also a teacher at the same school who played for Dinare Softball Club.
He recruited me to his club," he reflected on his journey. Initially a football player, Motsumi transitioned to softball, playing various positions such as third base, shortstop, second base, and pitching.
His softball journey led him through different clubs, including Big Storm, Vikings, Carats, BDF IX, Blue Angels, and ultimately, Police IX, where he became head coach in 2016. “I was recruited to be a head coach by Katlholo Mosimanegape. Regarding positions, I have also played second base, first base, pitching, and all positions I have been there.
Before joining Police, the men’s team had never played in a final. I told the team that we should come up with a strategy that we should reach the final and in 2017 we did it,” he said.
Motsumi's retirement comes at a high point for Police IX, boasting what he considers the country's best squad. Despite stepping down as a player, Motsumi expresses interest in continuing with the technical team.
“I have enjoyed my time at Police. Probably I will continue being part of the technical team,” he said. Motsumi’s talent saw him receiving a national team trials call-up in 1995. “It was the most exciting time of my career.
Unfortunately, I did not make the cut.
There are few left-handed batters in the country, myself, Tiro Mazulukwa, Obusitswe Lekhuthu and Mabedi Senyerero. We are lethal and we beat the ball very hard,” Motsumi said.
His illustrious career includes national team trials in 1995 and numerous individual awards since 2000, including MVP, best batter, best fielder, and national team captain.
He initially considered retirement in 2015 but stayed due to requests from teammates and management. Motsumi told MmegiSport that he officially announced his retirement after the Archein Hardware tournament. "My retirement was moved to Phikwe Extravaganza but unfortunately Police did not play in that tournament. I then told my teammates that after the Archein Hardware tournament, I would be retiring from active play and focusing on coaching. They all agreed.
I added the icing on the cake by hitting the home run. I played my heart out, not that I was retiring but I wanted to leave everything at the National Diamond. I wanted to leave something special for Police,” he said. Motsumi said some players like Eric Simwanza played with injuries, adding he was proud of their efforts. “Playing my last game was the best.
I had a great time and my role now is to develop players. I have done my part on the field of play. Softball is a beautiful game; we can fight during the match but after the game, we have a drink together,” he said. Reflecting on his career, Motsumi recalls a memorable game against New Zealand in 2003, which marked a historic victory over South Africa for the Zone VI gold medal.
“It was a great game, especially playing in front of multitudes of local softball lovers. The game was a practice match ahead of the World Championships that were hosted by New Zealand. We also made history by beating South Africa to win the Zone VI gold medal,” said the proud Motsumi.
Police IX coach, Tebogo Makacana, praises Motsumi's positive influence, describing him as an ever-jolly personality who will be missed on the field. "There is never a dull moment when he is around, be it during training, before games, during and after games.
He always has something to say and would always have a nickname for anybody. He knows how to get into opponents' nerves before games, and that would crank everyone up in the team,” he said.
While at UB Giants, Makacana met Motsumi who was playing for BDF IX at the time. He said Motsumi was a tough opponent. “But the good thing was that during the off-season, we would always work together. We would help each other with our batting and that went a long way. We then reunited at Police IX in 2018 when I came in as a coach,” he said.
When Makacana arrived at Police, Motsumi was a player and technical associate until his retirement. “We have won every competition we have played since 2018 and he was key to most of our victories. He will surely be missed on the field of play by the team, the fans, opponents and the softball community at large,” Makacana said.
FACT FILE
Full names: Onkagetse Godson Motsumi
Nickname: Kgaola
Date of birth: September 6, 1976
Place of birth: Serowe Position: 1B
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Height: 1.68m
Some of the achievements: From 1993: BSA league (five gold medals, four silver and three bronze.) Easter tournaments: five gold, three silver and one bronze medals. Phikwe Extravaganza: two gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze. National team: three gold and five silver medals. Coaching since 1996: BISA schools national championships: gold medals (4), and a bronze medal (1).