Softball team makes return to world championships
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday March 28, 2017 15:45
The local team last participated in the championship in 2009 and finished 13th out of 16.
Botswana is ranked number 19 while South Africa is at position 14. Botswana Softball Association (BSA) technical development officer, Shaka Bonang told Mmegi Sport yesterday that the team will hold a training camp from Friday. He said the championship is held on an annual basis, but Botswana has failed to send representatives due to financial constraints. He said this year, they have been fortunate to secure funds to register the team and also to travel for the competition.
“We have invited 33 players, but that would be cut to 17 for the final team. Amongst the 33, six players were part of the team that competed at the World Under-19 Championship last year. We want only three from the six. We want to give the young players exposure,” he said.
Bonang said the inclusion of the young players is also to give them a chance to play with seniors. He said the team is going to compete in Canada and not just add numbers. He said looking at the competitiveness of the BoFiNet league, the local players stand a chance to cause an upset on the world stage. He said some of the players who would be included in the squad have played in the World Championship, giving them vital experience. Bonang admitted that their long absence from the championship is a disadvantage as softball has evolved over the years.
BSA would not be able to send a team to the Under-19 Junior Women’s World championship this year due to lack of finances.
Other countries that have qualified for the men’s WBSC are:
Americas: Argentina, Canada, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, United States of America and Venezuela. Asia: Hong Kong, India, Indonesia and Japan
Europe: Czech Republic, Denmark, Great Britain, Israel and Turkey. Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
India and Turkey will be making their debut in the championship.