Softball’s return to play tourney on last lap
The Botswana Softball Association’s (BSA) return to play tournament reached its last lap over the weekend in the Southern zone. The games were played at the National Diamond and Jwaneng.
The Northern zone clubs have since completed their games. BSA sport development officer (SDO), Tebogo Johannes told Sport Monitor that so far things have been going according to plan.
“Clubs in the Northern zone have finished all their games even though some clubs did not manage to participate in the tournament. But 90% took part in the competition,” he said.
Johannes said even in the South, some clubs have not competed and the tournament is coming to an end next weekend.
“There were challenges relating to participation first because teams felt they were not ready and also issues to deal with COVID-19. But the issues were dealt with and from there the games ran smoothly. Clubs are now fully engaged in participating and the competition level has increased,” he said.
Johannes further said the main challenge facing clubs generally emanates from administration issues. He said there are some clubs that are well organised and the running of those clubs seems smooth, while on the other hand there are clubs that are struggling administratively.
“Some end up not showing up for games because they cannot make a number that is required to play. Others fail to honour games citing financial problems. But all in all things are going according to plan,” he added.
Johannes said after the Southern zone ends its league, top teams from the South and North will meet in a championship model where the winner will be determined. He explained that the women’s teams will have a specific weekend to play their championship games followed by men. The championships will be played on different weekends. Normally, the softball fraternity converged in Jwaneng for the Easter tournament organised by Wells International and Gatalamotho softball clubs. During the President holidays, there is also the popular Phikwe Extravaganza.
When asked about the tournament, Johannes said so far, for Easter tournament there has not been any formal confirmation from Jwaneng clubs.
“As for the Extravaganza, preparations are on the way and we expect to hear news soon and reveal of sponsors. Negotiations are at a very critical stage but there are plans to host Phikwe Extravaganza this year. More will be revealed as proper details are presented,” he said.