BDF IX eliminated, Panthers make a come back
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:08
In a surprising turn of events, BDF IX have been eliminated from the Selebi-Phikwe Softball Extravaganza following the women games played over the weekend. The Southern Zone eliminations were played in Gaborone while the Northern Zone teams met in Orapa. The Southern Zone men’s eliminations will get underway the coming weekend.
BDF coach, Mothusi Shalobane explained that they were eliminated by the format of play that was used, (a three way tie) being the team quality balance (TQB), because of head to head with Police.
He told Sport Monitor that Wells were placed above the two teams and there were only two slots available in the bracket. BDF won the tournament in 2023.
After six years, Panthers will take a drive to Phikwe after booking themselves a slot in the competition. The team’s coach, Pako Maforaga, said despite the qualification, they are still on the learning journey. He added that the trip will give his side an opportunity to get invaluable experience and exposure.
“We are still looking for key players and we are definitely going to sign a few players,” Maforaga said.
“However, the signing will not be about Phikwe Softball Extravaganza but more about bringing stability to the squad. We will not burden our new players with the thinking that they must produce results.”
Maforaga, who is also the national senior men team head coach, revealed that he will also use the tournament to scout for the team. The new national team will be announced after the tournament.
Meanwhile, tough season continued for Dinare as they failed yet again to qualify despite having a good history with the tournament. The former champions won the title in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The club’s assistant manager, Koogotsitse Motsholapheko, highlighted that the eliminations were played after matters nearly got out of hand following the changes that were made after a toss. He said Botswana Softball Association (BSA) president, Tirelo Mukokomani had to intervene.
“We lost our first game 9-7 against Panthers, won 19-3 against Bears and subsequently lost 14-2 to Titans. We are in the building phase, we have signed three players to give shape to the team and one players, Katlo Leungo has left us for Vikings. Our team used to be strong when school sport was active but now things are tough,” Motsholapheko said.
Gheto Yankees have qualified for Phikwe following their brilliant run in Orapa with coach Trevor Musa saying preparations were spot on and they used the eliminations to try out a few things in the pitching and catching departments.
“We were also trying out new signings, how they can fit into the team, they gave us what we needed which was to win. Our preparations are on track and we are looking forward to the tournament. We are ready. Last year we made an error that cost us, we lost two games, 2-1 to BDF and 1-0 to Vikings,” he said.
“I think it was an issue of memory lapse, loss of concentration because I do not it was stage freight. Our games in the north are not tasking like when we play against teams from the south. We have signed two senior players to bring stability.”
Qualified teams: North: Women: Comets (hosts), Carats, Yankees and Scramblers. Men: Comets (hosts), Carats, Rail Giants and Rebels. South: Women: Panthers, Police, Titans and Wells