Organisers double Softball Extravaganza prize money
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday June 26, 2014 13:14
The first prize in the 2013 edition was P25, 000. The organisers’ spokesperson, Oeme Morupisi told Mmegi Sport that the increase is an indication of the tournament’s growth. In addition to the improved winners’ purse, individual players who excel will be rewarded.
The most valuable player will pocket P1,000, the same as the slugger of the tournament and best fielder.
Komatsu, Bridgestone, Stanlib, Puma Energy and Focus Engineering Solutions sponsor the tournament with a combined P400,000.
“We are able to retain our sponsors each year because the committee has responsible leaders. We report back to them on how we have spent their money all the time. That is the secret to keeping sponsors happy,” Morupisi said.
He said they are in the process of constructing a new ground at Makhubu Club with the assistance of BCL Mine. The plan is to stop using the Selebi-Phikwe Senior Secondary School ground because it is far and does not attract many spectators. Morupisi said if the new ground is completed on time, it will be used for this year’s tournament. He said their aim is to invite teams from outside the country but at the moment, they are still establishing relations with them. He said they are looking at established clubs from other countries so that local sides can benefit and benchmark. Clubs that have already qualified for the extravaganza are defending champions, Scramblers, Rail Giants, Comets and Carats from the men’s side. Women clubs from the southern part of the country in the tournament are defending champions Bears, Wells, Dinare and Panthers. Morupisi said other qualification games for men’s clubs in the south would be played this weekend.