Sefhophe JSS wins junior softball tourney
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday June 24, 2015 14:13
The tournament, attracted four boys’ teams from the Selebi –Phikwe region namely Phatsimo, Bonwatlou, Sefhophe and Motlhasedi Junior Secondary Schools.
Focused Engineering Solutions sponsored the inaugural tournament. It is a new edition to the annual Selebi–Phikwe extravaganza tournament to be held over the President Day holiday in July.
The purpose of the tournament is to develop softball stars from grassroots level as well as to give players exposure. Each team played three games and after three tough encounters, Sefhophe and Phatsimo JSS secured places in the finals, while Bonwatlou and Motlhasedi played the losers’ final.
The losers’ final started on a low tempo, but later picked pace as both teams showed determination to win. The last two innings were a marvel to watch as Motlhasedi batters humiliated Bonwatlou pitcher by hitting his strikes. The game ended in the 5th innings with Motlhasedi winning 13points to five.
The last game for the championship was between Sefhophe and Phatsimo. The exciting game was a seesaw affair. The Sefhophe team, which has been adopted by Comets Softball Club, started to show an upper hand in the third inning, with its pitcher Gabaiteboge Lopang humiliating batters with fast strikes making it hard for them to hit his strikes. The game ended with Sefhophe leading ten points to five.
The winning team was awarded softball equipment worth P30, 000. The champions walked away with four gloves, five balls, one bat and a catcher’s mask. Runners up Phatsimo received two gloves, five balls, one chest protector and one bat, while Motlhasedi were given two gloves, five balls, a pair of knee guards and a bat. Bonwatlou got two gloves, one catcher’s mask and five balls. Sefhophe pitcher, Lopang, was voted the most valuable player. He said although he did not have ample time to train, he was able to apply the techniques he had been taught.
“I do not have enough time to practise because of school work. I only practise during weekends, but I managed to be the best player. My dream is to be in the national squad so every time I play I make sure I display my best,” he said. The tournament will be an annual event for boys and it will also cover girls teams and other schools in the region