Softball league bursts into life
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday October 22, 2024 09:04
The league does not have prize money after the BSA failed to secure sponsorship. Softball has been struggling to find league sponsorship since its partnership with BoFINET ended. The last league was the Return to Play in 2022, which saw clubs receive prize money at the end of the season. Southern zone chairperson, Matildah Raditloko, said everything is in place for action to start. She said funds have been credited into the clubs’ accounts. “We are excited about the league because many people like softball, more especially since some of our games are played at night. As such we provide entertainment to the masses,” she said.
There are 13 men's and 10 women's teams that will participate in the league, which is expected to conclude in March 2025. Raditloko said the focus is to assist teams such as Dinare, Rivals, Eagles, Gideons, and Blue Angels that have been struggling to attend games. 'A team like Dinare used to play with men only and failed to field the women’s team,” she said. BDF IX coach, Jury Manaka, said his charges are ready for action. “We have not signed any new players; we are building from the youngsters who have been there but not getting a chance to play. We are now focusing on them,” Manaka said. The BSA has received P937, 000 as a grant from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) to kick-off activities. Each club would receive P10, 000, and if a side has both the men's and women's teams, they receive P20, 000. Teams are expected to use the grants for upkeep and travel to matches. The northern zone will resume competition next weekend in Orapa. There will be an official launch before the first match of the season which will be between Diphofu and Carats women at Itekeng ground. Former northern zone committee member, Bobby Khupe, said a league without prize money is more like volunteering, although the association will assist clubs with funds to buy balls and other administrative issues. “Otherwise all teams are geared for a good show following a lengthy spell of no sponsorship. Phikwe Extravaganza was the last tournament that we played in July,” he said. Comets chairperson, Oeme Morupisi, said they are still waiting for funds from the BSA.
Fixtures Saturday Women: UB Giants vs Panthers (9am), Dinare vs Titans (3:45pm) and Police vs Vikings (6pm) Men: UB Giants vs Panthers (11:15am), Dinare vs Gideon Warriors (1:30pm) and Police vs Vikings (8:15pm)
Sunday Women: Bears vs Rivals (9am) and Vikings vs BDF IX (1:30pm) Men: Bears vs Rivals (11:15am), Vikings vs BDF IX (3:45pm)