Softball team takes on the world
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday July 8, 2023 06:00
The team will fly to Dublin, Ireland where they have been seeded in Group A, which includes the host, Ireland, the defending champions, USA, China (Taipei), Australia, and Great Britain.
The decisive battle for the title of world champion will take place next year in July, finishing just five days before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Botswana booked a slot in the group stages after finishing in second position behind South Africa during the WBSC Africa qualifiers that were played at the National Diamond in Gaborone in February.
The team went through a rough patch, which led to swift changes in the technical team. Head coach, Ross Mosupakwena told Mmegi Sport that they were given a short period to prepare the team. “Looking at the time that we were given, I think we have done enough. Players are responding to whatever that we are coming up with as the new technical team. We had our first training camp in Jwaneng last month, prior to that we had a final selection camp.
We had a break over the last weekend and training resumed until Friday,” he said. Mosupakwena said all players returned from the break refreshed. He said they are going to compete in Ireland, not to add numbers. Botswana’s first match is against Ireland on Tuesday. “(The) average age in the squad is 25 years, with only five above 25 and two above 30. It is a relatively young squad but we expect a lot from them.
The majority of them have been to the World Cup, some were playing in the Under-19 World Cup. Only one or two have never experienced that stage,” he said. Mosupakwena said unfortunately they did not play an international friendly against South Africa due to logistics challenges. He said they played practice matches against Titans, Police, and Wells, claiming wins.
The team played their last match against UB Giants' men’s side. The team captain, Magdelene Mmapitsa said they are ready for the competition. She said the training camp in Jwaneng assisted players to gel. “The morale is high in the camp. I think we will bring something special. I have been part of the national team for more than 10 years, starting at Under-19 in 2011. I believe that I will be able to use my experience to guide the team,” she said. Mmapitsa said the most important thing is for players not to worship their opponents. She said the most exciting thing would be if the team qualifies for the top eight because the women’s team has never reached that stage.
The team: Isabella Kitso (Team manager) Ross Mosupakwena (Senior coach) Trevor Musa (Assistant coach – one) Gopolang Matsila (Assistant coach – two) Ayumi Yokosawa (Assistant coach – three)
Magdelene Mmapitsa (Captain and catcher) Maitumelo Olorato (Caps 3, Outfield) Onkokame Tlhakoyakgomo (Caps 1, Shortstop) Tshegofatso Gaetepele (Caps 1, Infield) Otsile Leave (Caps 0, Pitcher) Refilwe Mosepidi (Caps 1, Catcher Bafedile Dube (Caps 13, catcher) Segolame Hellen Pule (Caps 0, Shortstop) Peselema Bothman (Caps o, Pitcher) Amantle Matome (Caps 1, Outfielder) Lesego Ditau (Caps 2, Pitcher) Charity Isaac (Caps 22, Infield) Kedibonye Mogatusi (Caps 4, Infielder) Bonolo Molefhe (Caps 8, Outfielder) Wangu Gondo (Caps 3, Pitcher) Segolame Ruth Mosweu (Caps 1, Outfield)