Shock as softball TDO quits
The Botswana Softball Association (BSA) technical development officer (TDO), Gontlafetse Batsetswe has resigned. He submitted his resignation letter on Wednesday this week.
Gontlafetse became assumed the TDO role in December 2022. Speaking to MmegiSport yesterday, Gontlafetse said he has personal issues that need his attention.
“I was also not as effective as I had thought I would be due to the current economic downturn. I travel a lot, hence, I could not push my mandate,” he said.
Gontlafetse grabbed the centre stage during the preparations of the senior women’s national team ahead of the World Baseball Confederation (WBSC) Women’s World Cup in Ireland. There was a major shakeup that included the suspension of coaches and the final selection of the team.
Reacting to the resignation, BSA secretary-general, Dr Nozie Payet said she was yet to receive the resignation letter. “I was still committed at work but I learnt that he had submitted a resignation letter. I am yet to have a look at it. But as things stand, I do not think we would struggle,” she said.
Meanwhile, BSA is seeking the services of a senior men’s team head coach, two senior men’s team assistant coaches, and a team manager.
The position of head coach is for three years. The coach would be responsible for preparation for the games and post-competition periods from the date of appointment to December 2026.
“The duties of the head coach would be to provide leadership, direction and support to all members of the team.
Make the final team selection and ensure an advanced training programme appropriate for the continued development of the athletes. In conjunction with the team manager, formulate and implement rules for the welfare and conduct of all members of the team while in camp, at training and participating in any games,” the advertisement reads in part. The candidate should possess a combination of education and directly related experience. They should have coached at secondary school, club or national team. The candidate should have coached and won at least a BSA-sanctioned tournament or national championship with a secondary school, club or national team.
“The candidate must have 10 years of coaching experience, knowledge and understanding of standards and demands of national and international level sport.
The candidate must know contemporary trends in softball. Have a reasonable level of specialist knowledge in both aspects of offensive and defensive play,” the advertisement further reads.
Payet said the hiring of the officials is standard procedure when preparing national teams or when current contracts end.
“The senior men could have started preparations for the WBSC Africa World Cup qualifiers to be hosted by South Africa next year. Hiring is the first step, followed by selection. I expect the process to be completed next week,” Payet said.