Mukokomani to call it a day
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday January 26, 2018 16:00
He will effectively bring to an end a reign that began in 2012. It is reported that Mukokomani’s vice, Katlholo Mosimanegape is keen on contesting for the presidency.
“I believe that it is enough. I have done my part and let other people come in,” Mukokomani said.
Mosimanegape on the other hand said he was undecided on contesting for the presidency. He said he was still in discussion with Mukokomani on the matter.
Another name being thrown up is that of former BCL Mine general manager, Daniel Mahupela, who is seen as a perfect fit for softball due to his background in the corporate sector. Meanwhile, BSA spokesperson, Kelebogile Seitei said she believes the committee has done well.
“We have nurtured fruitful relationships with strategic partners especially BoFiNeT. They continue to be at the forefront of softball development and have not only sponsored our league but made it very lucrative at P100, 000 first prize money,” she said.
Seitei said BoFiNeT has developed the National Diamond, installing floodlights and stands.
Also, Seitei stated, the Embassy of Japan has come through for softball in a big way by sponsoring a borehole, which is used to water the pitch.
“Through JICA we have also secured the services of an experienced technical resources being Aiko Nakamura. She has been instrumental for our national teams since last year,” Seitei said.
BSA is hosting a group of softball volunteers from Japan who would tour Botswana for a month, observing the league games, assisting players and coaches to improve their skills.
The volunteers would also play friendly matches against the senior women’s side and a South African team.
Seitei said softball tournaments have shown growth over the years due to the support of partners such as Debswana Jwaneng mine, BCL Mine, Puma energy, Komatsu, Barloworld amongst others.
Seitei said the other achievement is the hosting of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) conference and the senior men’s performance at the last World Championship.
She said national teams have been sorted out and the challenge that remains is to source funding to make sure that they stay in competition. Seitei said they must go back to the basics and engage Botswana Primary Schools Sports Association (BOPSSA) and Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) a lot more.
She said BSA should spend time with cricket and learn from their success because they have made cricket a backyard sport. “How do we take softball there to increase the pool of talent we capture at BISA level? How do we retain the talent at private primary schools as they rarely ever feed into BISA structures,” she wondered.
Seitei said she is proud to have been part of a team that left behind a legacy.
“I do not think we would miss the next Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) awards. We stand a good chance of being nominated for sport code of the year,” Seitei said.