Panthers embark on �Operation Vat Alles�

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 2, 2018 14:30

 

Panthers coach, Disang Selemogwe believes his side, placed fourth on the log with six points, can go all the way and grab the league title. 

The team has won three game and lost three times, but that does not deter Selemogwe from dreaming about the trophy.

Leaders, Wells International are six points ahead of Panthers, while second-placed Police IX have 10 points. Titans are in third spot with eight points, two ahead of Panthers.

Panthers’ belief stems from the fact that the team has beefed up its pitching department with the services of experienced pitcher from Police IX, Oreabetse Mantho Mojeremane.

They also recruited Kagiso Lowang, an outfielder from Police. The team, however, lost two players - Oneetse Seth, a pitcher who moved to Police IX and Oduetse Molatheng. 

Selemogwe said his intention is to see his side winning the Botswana Softball Association (BSA) BoFiNeT league.

“In the past years, we had the same dream. For the past two seasons, we were silver medallists losing to Police IX and last season we finished third. Lowang and Mojeremane are great players and they would add depth to my squad. I want to win any softball title this year. We have not lost any pivotal player,” he said.

Selemogwe said he was happy that they have maintained more or less the same squad, which includes Boitshwarelo Sefo and Boitshepo Kgojwane, who are pitchers.  He said it was untrue that Panthers have lost many key players.

Regarding recruitment of Police IX players, Selemogwe said there was no hidden motives to destroy the Cops.

He said Police is more intact especially that they recruited some players to fill the gap created by Mojeremane and Lowang’s departure. One of those players is Bonolo Molefe from Dinare, who is considered the best outfielder in the country, both defensively and offensively.

“Softball is a small family and we know each other. The new players that I have recruited have gelled well with other players. It was not difficult to introduce them into my squad as I have worked with them before at the national team,” Selemogwe said.

Just like other clubs, Panthers face financial challenges. Selemogwe said some of his players are unemployed and some are students, which means they struggle to attend training.

Meanwhile, in Selemogwe’s view, the challenge affecting the teams’ performance is poor officiating, which he said must be improved.

“I am aware that umpires and scorers are volunteers. The majority of the umpires are players. It is not right and does not go well with me because it does not give us true reflection of what we have in the country in terms of teams. Certain games do not end properly,” he said. 

He argued that it means umpires can do each other a favour. He said the officials are members and players of certain teams and that does not augur well for the game.