Softball league wait continues
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday January 31, 2020 11:49
The traditional kick-off date for the BoFINeT Softball League is between September and October but teams have been kicking their heels on the sidelines.
At a special general meeting held a fortnight ago, it was announced the league would start this weekend. Clubs who had not affiliated were requested to do so in preparation for the start of the season.
But Mmegi Sport understands the league would only be launched on February 22 in Orapa. Botswana Softball Association (BSA) secretary general, Anastacia Tsuna Makwa said they were still in discussions over the start date.
“We have agreed that the league would start this coming weekend but the matter is still under discussion,” Makwa said. BSA sports development officer, Tebogo Johannes told Mmegi Sport that the league would not start this weekend.
“Clubs are busy paying affiliation fees and the deadline is today (Friday). Normally, the league starts around September or October but this time around it has been delayed,” he said.
Johannes said requests that were sent to the league sponsor, BoFiNeT, were not attended to as they had not been sent to the relevant marketing department.
“They had to be re-routed which means that caused other delays. The sponsor also wanted some clarification on some issues,” he said. Johannes said the delay in the commencement of the league would see it clash with BISA Games in May.
Bobby Khupe of Scramblers Softball Club said they remain in the dark over when the league would start.
“We received a text from our general manager-south zone informing us about the sponsorship launch.
For now, we want our executive committee to satisfy the sponsor’s requirements, so that we move from here,” he said. Khupe said the delays would lead to fixture congestion and players would not be able to give their all.
Pako Maforaga of Rail Giants noted they have received draft fixtures.
He said the fixtures are to be amended especially the dates because the start of the season has been moved forward. Maforaga does not have a problem with possible fixture congestion.
“They have just reduced those gaps. The problem would arise if there were ties and postponements like Chukyo University from Japan will be here next month. There are friendly games planned between Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa,” he said.
Kgotla Ntsie of UB Giants said it remains unclear as to when the league would start. He said initially clubs were advised to affiliate and were given the January 31 deadline.
“As managers, we have received the draft fixtures and are expected to make our comments,” he said.