Cricket coach hails Brazil’s impact
Mqondisi Dube | Friday April 17, 2026 10:52
The South Americans emerged as the winners of the week-long competition, which also featured the hosts, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zambia.
Predictably, the tournament's top seeds, Brazil, finished the competition unbeaten, winning all eight of their matches, whilst Botswana won five.
The hosts fell to an opening day defeat to Brazil and suffered a shock 23-run defeat against Mozambique. Brazil then beat Botswana in the reverse fixture, before the South Americans added another victory in the final.
Despite emerging with the silver medals, Timoni was impressed with his team, particularly their valiant effort in the final, where, despite being skittled out for 37, they fought bravely to snare seven Brazilian wickets.
'It was a very successful tournament. I was quite impressed with the team's performance. It was not like it was a one-sided tournament,' Timoni said.
'Yes, Brazil won eight of their games. I can safely say they added value to the tournament. They are rated higher than us at number 35 in the whole world, whilst we are at number 49. If only we had won the game against them, but it was not to be.'
He was particularly impressed with how Botswana performed in the final.
'We batted first, but we did not get a good score as we managed only 37. Everyone thought we were down and out and that Brazil were going to roll over us. But the ladies fought hard, defending 37 in cricket is no joke, and Brazil won the game after seven wickets down. We almost won the game. It was an emotional final where the girls gave their all. I was really impressed with everything,' he added.
Timoni praised the organisation of the third edition of the Kalahari tournament, giving credit to the Botswana Cricket Association and its chief executive officer, Tebogo Ntesang.