After missing out on the Phikwe Extravaganza, Police IX men have redeemed themselves by winning the Archein Hardware Independence Cup that was held over the weekend at the National Stadium.
The women’s side was however a different story as Vikings overcame Police to claim the title. Police men qualified for the final after beating the defending champions, BDF IX 6-3 while Wells International booked themselves a slot in the final by defeating Vikings 7-0.
Police men walked away with gold medals after beating Wells 6-4 in the final. The champions walked away P20, 000 richer. Police women qualified for the final by beating BDF IX 7-2. However, the battle for the title was difficult for Police women as they were beaten by 5 runs to 4 by Vikings. Vikings walked away P20, 000 richer.
Teams that finished in the silver medal position pocketed P15, 000 both men and women and P10, 000 for the bronze medal position both men and women. There were prizes for all teams that participated in the tournament. Police IX chairperson, Diketso Gaborone told MmegiOnline that both teams stood up to the test.
“I will say it was a good performance because both teams came to the party. We wanted a gold medal for both men and women, but silver medal for the women is an indication of outstanding performance after the disappointment of failing to participate at the Phikwe Extravaganza tournament in July. I still maintain that Police IX men and women are on their top form.
I am not afraid to say that we are currently the best in the country,” Gaborone said. For his part, Vikings official, Gomolemo Tshelametsi said the women’s side worked hard to become champions. He said they had to be mentally strong to overcome Police because it is a strong side. “When you play a side like Police, you know it is not over until the blue takes the ball.
You have to be there mentally, players should also believe and trust themselves. You should also make decisions in the nick of time,” he said. Positions: Men: Wells (silver) and Vikings (bronze). BDF (4), Rail Giants (5), Carats (6), Rebels (7) and Scramblers (8). Women: BDF (bronze), UB Giants (4), Wells (5), Rail Giants (6), Yankees (7) and Carats (8). Individual prizes: Men: Masilo Thulaganyo (MVP), Kunyalala Samuel (best pitcher), Rannaneng Mothudi (best catcher), Kefilwe Kenosi (most RBI’s), Zibisani Samuel (best fielder) and Eric Simwanza (best better). Women: Gotlamang Sixpence (best pitcher), Neo Seth (MVP, best fielder and best better). Keletso Mogale (RBI).
