The team arrived in Dublin over the weekend to play in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) World Cup group stages. According to information reaching this publication, Botswana players complained of hunger after their match against Ireland.
“It seemed like there were no proper arrangements made for the team. No arrangements were made for their food catering. The problem was that there was no advance party or any coordinator on the ground that has the knowledge of Dublin.
The hotel they stay in is located in the city centre where they only offer bed and breakfast. Food from outside is not allowed into the hotel. They have been eating fast food since arrival,” a source said. The source further said transport for the players is also a challenge. This publication is informed that Batswana based in Dublin agreed to contribute 10 Euros each in order to buy food and cook for the team at one of the houses. “The players were given allowances but there is a challenge with access to shopping areas.
It seems like the Embassy is also not visible,” a source said. Contacted for comment, the Botswana Softball Association (BSA) public relations officer, Kelly Monyake said there is now how they could send a team that is not catered for, especially food. “That is news to me, it is not true,” she said. The BSA technical director, Gontlafetse Batsetswe said the softball president, Katlholo Mosimanegape is with the team but he has not reported any challenges with the team’s welfare. However, Batsetswe promised to make inquires.
Meanwhile, it has been a tough road for the senior women in the tournament. Botswana had lost all three matches by the time of going to print. The team was yet to register a run. Botswana has lost 10-0 to Australia 10-0, 15-0 to the United States and 7-0 to Ireland.
