24 Apr 2016

Wells men and police women were on April 23 crowned BoFiNet softball league champions at the National Diamond both pocketing P100 000 each.

Wells delivered a sterling grand finale against softball giants BDF IX who had for the past three seasons stamped authority in all diamonds across Botswana.

The Jwaneng boys versus army boys’ ending was one to remember after Wells narrowly beat the latter 5-3 in an encounter that went to a tie breaker. Wells, the 2015/16 Champions,  handed BDF the biggest upset of this season as they were poised more than ever being the first to register three runs in the second inning from Baolopi Thamuku, Omphile Moagaesi and Eric Simwanza.

BDF answered back in the second inning through a home-run by Witness Gaarogwe which set the National Diamond on fire.

Wells then went on a dry spell while at the BDF camp Moses Tshaila smacked a strong hit to the outfield in the fourth inning to navigate Neo Mnqobisi and Joseffat Saakane home to level the score at three all.

Both teams came in to the fifth inning unyielding, tightly fielding with everything they got but no team scored that much needed deciding point. Subsequently they went in to a tie breaker where Wells’s Peloentle Kamodi and Simwanza furnished their team with runs that walked them down the victory carpet to the P100 000 prize.

In the ladies final, police swept off Panthers easily handing them a 9-3 defeat deservedly winning this season after all their hard work having wrapped up the first round of the league at the top of the league.

The police ladies avenged last season’s downfall stylishly after the trophy slipped through their fingers suffering a narrow defeat from Wells who were last year champions hence Police settling for second best.

Police had their eyes on the ball keeping the Panthers fielders on their feet as they sent the ball to the outfield numerously which led to the opponent’s morale dropping in the fourth inning as they disconnected and made error throws. Panthers ladies and BDF men having come second pocketed P65 000 each, second runners up Gatalamotho and Rail Giants ladies scooped P40 000 each.

Fourth placed Rail giants men and Dinare ladies won themselves P25 000 each with all the other teams winning themselves prize money to the last ranked pocketing P7 000. In the individual prizes, Wells’ Kealeboga Chakalisa won best pitcher men while Police Oreabetse Mojeremane won best pitcher ladies.

Wells Thamuku was named best slugger as his club mate Khumo Gaotlhobogwe won it for the women. BoFiNet league best player men went to Panthers’s Tiro Mazulungwa while Gaotlhobogwe won it on the ladies side.

The president’s award went to former BSA president, Marumo Morule and Christine Jokonya who are said to have contributed immensely in the development of softball for over 15 years.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, BoFiNet board chairman Ratsela Mooketsi stated that awards paid tribute to teams that excelled and individuals who are unique having driven their teams to victory.

He said through sport people learn about winning and defeat together with team work and humility which he said are life building qualities that BOFINet want to associate with.

Mooketsi said the status of softball has grown primarily because they believe in sport development. ENDS