Softballer�s Japan move brews a storm
Koketso Kgoboge | Wednesday March 22, 2017 14:48
The highly-rated pitcher was part of the Botswana Softball Under-19 side that competed at the World Baseball and Softball Championships (WBSC) in Michigan, United States of America last year.
It was at the tournament where the youngster caught the attention of the Japanese club. The young pitcher left the country on Monday for Japan.
Ghetto Yankees manager, Telly Rasesigo said he only learnt about interests on the player by the Japanese club a while ago through media reports.
He said that he would later learn that the player will be moving to Daiwa and he wrote a letter to BSA to seek clarity on how the player has been cleared without consultation with the club.
He said they have not received any communication from BSA.
“We do not know who facilitated our pitcher’s move to Japan,” he said. Rasesigo said they have resolved to engage lawyers to help them obtain clarity from BSA.
“We want to get to the bottom of the matter and understand why the player who we still hold his blue book was transferred to another club.”
“We are elated with his move and we would never have tried to stand in his way, but it is important that the right procedures are followed when transferring a player.”
However BSA president, Tirelo Mokokomani could not confirm nor deny receiving the letter from Yankees but he said that the player has not signed for the Japanese club instead he will only be training at the club to develop his skills.
“Kunyalala has gone to Japan for training that will last for three months. He will not take part in any of Daiwa team’s official games.”
He said that as BSA it is within their mandate to assist in developing young talent, which is why they felt compelled to assist the player to move to Japan.
“I have made that (BSA mandate) clear to one official of Yankees on the phone and what they were interested in was compensation for the players move.
“This is an opportunity for both the youngster and Yankees. He will benefit them more than everyone when he returns with his experience and exposure at one of the world’s best softball nations.”
Mokokomani said if the Japanese club shows interest of signing a contract with the player, then proper procedures will be followed.