Ghetto Yankees, Extravaganza surprise package
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday July 24, 2026 10:39
The team walked away with P35,000 in cash, while Yankees player Thato Nkebeto was selected as the slugger of the tournament, winning herself P1,500. Yankees settled for the silver medal following a 12-0 defeat at the hands of the women’s champions, Titans. The runners-up went on to win the championship after a strong run in the elimination games in June.
Yankees coach, Trevor Musa, told MmegiSport that it feels great to see the growth in his players, and having a podium finish at one of the biggest tournaments in the country is a blessing.
He said they could only look forward to more podium finishes in the coming seasons and tournaments.
“The preparations were on point; training was well structured with more purpose and intent. The players understood our goal for this year’s tournament. The players have matured; they are now getting to understand what it means to play with big teams,” the coach said.
Musa revealed that said he was part of the Yankees pioneers as vice chairperson in 2014 when he was based in Masunga. He became full full-time coach in 2019 when he relocated to Francistown.
According to the him, the secret of coaching women in softball is communication, as he believes women respond well to motivation. He said if they are emotionally fine, they deliver positive results.
“Our future plan is to dominate for the next five seasons and beyond. We want to brand the north with good softball,” Musa added.
Police finished third in the women's section. For champions, Titans, it was the second time that the Gaborone-based side won the tournament.
The side has played in five finals and won two, and at one point received a bronze medal. Titans walked away P50,000 richer and three of its players received individual awards.
Onkabetse Tlhakoyakgomo was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and received P3,000, with Malebogo Ramaphane chosen as the best catcher and was rewarded with P1,500, whilst Gotlamang Sixpence emerged as the best pitcher and went home with P1,500.
Titans coach, Disang ‘Dizzo’ Selemogwe, said they were able to dominate the championship as they did their homework.
“We trained hard mentally and physically, andphysically and we were more socially aligned and more coherent. Defeating Police IX twice in the same tournament was an indication of how ready we were,” he explained.
Selemogwe said the vicory comes at a time when Titans is preparing for the 2026 Women's Softball European Cup to be held on August 16.
The Titans coach noted they were aware that European clubs are stronger and there is still more work to be done.
Meanwhile, the men’s title went to Mogoditshane after BDF IX overpowered Wells International. The side was rewarded with P50,000 whilst Wells pocketed P35,000. BDF legendary pitcher, Kagiso Mogale, got P1,500 for being the best pitcher. BDF IX coach, Tebogo Makaćana, said it was a great display by the young players.
“The boys really showed up for the tournament and stuck to the plan from start to finish,” Makaćana said.
“I am quite happy about their performance. The tournament was well organised. A lot of games were thrilling, and I believe teams gave spectators good entertainment.”
He highlighted that teams came prepared for the tournament, citing the victory margins from the games played. Gatalamotho finished in third position to win themselves P25,000.
Gatalamotho players, Eric Simwanza, scooped the MVP award; Brian Dekoker claimed the slugger award, which carried a P1,500 cash prize, whilst Victor Moatlanegi received P1,500 for the best young player.