The tournament is balanced, as there are no outright favourites. On the men’s side, Rebels are the Trojan horse as the side knocked out Carats and beat Rail Giants during the Northern eliminations.
The side finished in third spot behind Police and BDF in the last tournament. Panthers are also another team that should not be undermined. BDF IX and Wells International have a slight advantage. On the women’s side, the title might go either way. The women’s defending champions, Titans go into the tournament without three key players who are currently engaged in the national team. Wangu Gondo, Onkokame Tlhakoyakgomo, and Maitumelo Serumula make the first line of defence for Titans. Wells are still finding their footing but BDF are a threat if they can play as a unit. UB Giants are the dark horse while Rail Giants are rebuilding and can cause an upset.
Orapa-based Carats have experienced players but not in coherence. Titans coach, Disang Selemogwe said the absence of the three players had an impact on his plans. “The absence of Gondo, Tlhakoyakgomo, and Serumula is a big blow to my defence. Offensively I am also doomed, the same players signified my style of play and they make the top four in my batting order.
I am now forced to change my style of play,” Selemogwe said. Pako Maforoga will lead Panthers after parting ways with Rail Giants. He told Mmegi Sport that his stay at Rail Giants was enjoyable. “However, after some time one realises that they have overstayed, especially when one finds themselves having to compromise beyond their norm.
So I had to leave because it was necessary. I choose to assist various clubs until I found a home or retire. I am actually quite happy to be facing Rail Giants this weekend,” he said. Maforaga is working with seasoned pitching coach, Antonio Moyo. He said they have decided not to put a lot of pressure on the young squad, as to allow them to grow. Maforaga said the focus is on character development as the skills are already there. BDF team manager, Goga Daman said the teams, men and women, are ready to claim the title. Meanwhile, Rebels chairperson, Kabelo Seinamo said they have instilled discipline in the players and that the focus has been on the tournament.
“Having adequate training camps, having professionals in different areas who can guide players to switch on has made things better for us. It takes a lot to assemble a good team because our players are stationed in different areas such as Gaborone, Maun, and Palapye,” he said. Seinamo said beating cross-town rivals, Carats during the eliminations was a moral booster. Captain, Lebaone Monnathaga, who was not available during the eliminations, will lead the team. The most senior player in the team, Joseph Lepodise will be the key motivator.
Teams: Men: Comets, Wells, UB Giants, BDF IX, Vikings, Panthers, Rail Giants, and Rebels. Women: Comets, Wells, UB Giants, BDF IX, Vikings, Titans, Rail Giants, and Carats.
