Wells International is the men’s champions, winning the title for the fourth time. For their achievement, the side received P40,000. Second position went to BDF IX who received P30,000 whilst Carats settled for third spot and pocketed P20,000. Wells played fives games in the tournament emerging champions without a run scored against them, scoring 36 runs. Wells coach, Gagoope Ntsholetsang said the victory was the outcome that emanated from self-introspection. “We looked at the state of our previous performances. We have been second best or even finished third. We also gave our players an ultimatum; those who did not want to play should quit, so that we remain with a dedicated squad. It became everybody’s task to assist the team to win,” he said. Ntsholetsang said during the Extravaganza South region elimination, they kept a clean sheet.
He said after eliminations, they held a training camp and the plan was to put their best foot forward at the tournament. “We knew that once they lost one game, they start doing their mathematics, most of the time that never worked for us. We agreed that we are going five out of five. This is a big win, an achievement that will go a long way,” he said. Ntsholetsang said each player was prepared mentally to play against the big boys in Gatalamotho, Police, and BDF. He said the win was not reliant on an individual, but the pitching department which was on point, batting strength, and glove work. Wells also received individual awards with Dhlodho Thabo being adjudged the Most Valuable Player whilst Bolele Mothusi emerged as the best pitcher, and Olatotse Kgaodi was voted Best Young Player. BDF IX coach, Tebogo Makhachana said his side was limping due to the absence of number one pitcher, Kagiso Mogale. “To face three giants without my number one pitcher was not an easy task. Mogale has a pending anti-doping issue, we cannot risk and use him until the issue is resolved. Mental strength and concentration lapse cost us,” Makhachana said.
