Police IX will enter a rebuilding phase after losing three key players who are also national team players, to BDF IX and Gatalamotho.
The unpleasant change comes at a time when the club is trying to find its footing in the Botswana Softball Association (BSA) national league with the second round kicking off at the National Diamond today. The side finished the first round with three losses against BDF, Wells Internationals and Gatalamotho. However, the side managed to register two wins. The coach, Godson Kgaola Motsumi, told MmegiSport that losing players is part of softball and there is nothing they can do about it. “We now have to build, we are actually in the process. If you can see us at training you can see that we are ready to compete. Of course, the departure of the three players will have an impact on us, but we are not going to cry about it; we intend to bounce back strongly," Motsumi said. Police men’s team has been hit hard during the transfer window, losing some of its key players in Eric Simwanza, national pitcher Kunyalala Samuel and his younger brother, Zibisane. Simwanza has retraced his steps to Jwaneng where he has joined Gatalamotho.
The hard-hitter joined Police from another Jwaneng-based side, Wells International in 2019. Kunyalala and Zibisane have made the short trip to SSKB where they have rekindled their love with their former coach at BDF IX. Police have welcomed Motse Rabogatsu from Gatalamotho, and Obakeng Matlapeng from Rivals. Simwanza told MmegiSport that his departure from Police have nothing to do with the performance of the team, but to try a new environment and challenges. When asked why Police were having it tough in the first round, Simwanza pointed out that it was not a struggle, but a phase that any team could pass through. “At Gata, I expect us to play as a team and everything will fall into place and give Police, Wells and BDF a run for their money,” he said. For his part, BDF IX coach, Tebogo Makacana, said preparations for the league went according to plan. He said they started working on their drills last week, while this week, the focus has been on sharpening the offence. “Overall my players are tuning up well. I guess we will get to the level that we want very soon. I have brought in three players to close some gaps that we had in the team after one of our key players, Albert Kganetso, left for Gatalamotho.