Coaches trim softball squad for world cup

Thato Kala | Monday June 16, 2014 06:59

 

Lebogang Goetswang, BDF IX’s Gaone Letshwenyo, Bears’ Tuna Passman, Boitshwarelo Sefo and Lorato Kenaope of Dinare did not make the final 17 but were advised to keep training because they could be called up in case of injuries or loss of form.

Late call-ups Pauline Tukisi of Rail Giants and Dinare’s Lobopo Otlhomile, who were picked after outstanding performances in the final between Dinare and BDF IX, recently kept their places in the squad. Dinare catcher Bonolo Molefe is out of the team after failing to recover from a knee injury. The team manager, Same Molete said the training seemed to be a little hectic as some players struggled with fitness because of a long lay-off. Players who turned out for teams that did not qualify for the Vivo Top Four have been out of action for a long time. 

The team’s next camp will be on the weekend of June 28. 

Molete is convinced the selected players will be ready to compete come August 15 when the championships kick off. “I really think we are ready to compete looking at the commitment the team has, I am really happy and even though we are in a tough bracket, it is my intention that we win at least two games,” she said.

Botswana is planning friendly matches against Puerto Rico, Russia or Czech Republic to wrap up their preparations when they arrive in Harlem on August 10. 

“These games will help us perfect our play especially in attack which is not at the level that we want,” Molete said.

National team coach, Bobby Khupe bemoaned the blunt attack saying it must be sharpened. “I am happy, though we are not yet up to scratch but we are working on that,” he said. 

He called for Botswana players to be aggressive and offensive because the country’s weakness has always lead to its failure to score at international tournaments. He will be keeping the out-of-school players in camp, especially pitchers and catchers so that they can continue training. 

The final squad: Onneetse Seth; Pauline Tukisi (both Rail Giants); Gotlamang Sixpence (Vikings); Bafedile Dube; Wangu Gondo (both BDF IX); Iponeng Molapong; Othusitse Molatlheng; Kelebogile Lesesere (all Wells); Malebogo Ramaphane; Tshepo Letsholo; Keabetswe Mhotsha; Melita Seabelo (all Bears); Kagiso Lowang; Goitseone Munyadzwe; Oratile Hamati; Oreabetse Mojeremane (all Police IX); Lobopo Otlhomile (Dinare).