Visa delays softball player�s move to Japan
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday January 27, 2017 15:06
A scout from Daiwa, Satoshi Furukawa was in Gaborone this week to work with the player and scout for more talent.
Furukawa attended the weekend BoFiNeT league matches and there were trials held on Monday and Tuesday. Botswana Softball Association (BSA) president, Tirelo Mukokomane told Mmegi Sport that Samuel’s contract with the Japanese side commences in February.
He said they are still waiting for the release of the Visa with the deal already concluded.
“I am not in a position to reveal the details of the contract because they are between the player and his employer,” he said.
Mukokomane said Furukawa was in the country to work specifically with Samuel.
He said, however, trials were organised in order to give other players a chance to catch the scout’s eye. He said local softball has attracted the attention of many other countries.
Mukokomane said hosting the World Baseball Softball Conference (WBSC) has brought attention to Botswana.
“The spotlight is on us because countries are starting to take us seriously. They want to see what we are doing and the kind of players that we have. We expect to see more scouts visiting us in the near future. Even women players stand a chance to play abroad,” Mukokomane said.
Samuel could not be reached for comment, but his father, Gideon said he was excited about his child’s move to Japan.
He said his son had brought pride to the family and has put their name on the map.
“I used to play football when I was a youngster, but my son chose softball.
He has proved that anything is possible with any sport. Softball has gained interest in our family. I have other two sons who play the sport. Last year Samuel, together with his brother, went for national team trials,” he said.
The elder Samuel said he is always advising his son to take care of himself when he goes abroad because he would not be with his family.
The Maun-based player completed his Form Five last year and is currently waiting for his results. Japan is a powerhouse in softball and is ranked number two in the world.
Meanwhile, Botswana has debuted in the World softball rankings following participation at the 2016 Under-19 Junior Men’s World Championship.
BSA spokesperson, Kelebogile Seitei said it has been years with Botswana outside the rankings. Botswana is ranked number 11 in the men’s Under-19 category.
Seitei said being ranked is a big step and speaks volumes especially for future participation in international competitions.
She said the development would assist when they seek funding from various organisations.