Despite financial struggles and equipment shortages, the Botswana Softball Association (BSA) league for both Men and Women is ongoing, but these obstacles and many others are deterring the smooth running and growth of the sport as many softball coaches and captains have testified.
On Sunday 22nd, in the ongoing men’s league, which has been sponsored by Estate Construction Company to a tune of P25 000, Gatalamotho walloped Police IX, 11-4 and, later during the day, it revenged against Wells, beating it 7-6.
In the last game played on Sunday, Gatalamothe ravaged the struggling UB Giants, which is at the bottom of the league, 12-1. Berrence Motaung, Gatalamotho’s head coach, said the major problem they are facing is miscommunication between teams and the BSA.
“At times we are not aware of fixtures well in time because they were sent late and this negatively impacts on our performance because we have to solicit transport from Jwaneng Mine.”
UB Giant’s Manager, Molekane Bokhutlo, credited his teams underperformance to the fact that many of its players are students. “We don’t get time to train together, especially that we are writing exams, and so we don’t train the way we want to.”
Bokhutlo also stated that they are struggling financially, citing instances when they have to pop out money from their own pockets to transport some of their players who are studying at secondary schools. “I plead with private companies to sponsor us because most of our teams are the youth, and the youth is a big investment.”
Despite not having a sponsor, the women’s league is also ongoing. On Sunday, BMC narrowly beat UB Giants 7-6; Vikings was beaten by Wells 7-2 while Bears thrashed BDF 11-1. Paper Club failed to score against Wells 3 goals.
At the top of the log is BDF IX with twenty points after playing ten games undefeated, followed by Panthers with sixteen points after ten games and two losses.
In the third position is Gatalamotho with fourteen points after nine games and one loss.
At the bottom is UB Giants followed by Dinare and Bears. Topping the women’s league is Bears with fourteen points after playing seven games undefeated, followed by Wells with twelve points from seven games with one loss.
In third position is Police IX with twelve points of eight games and two losses. 
Bottom of the log is BDF IX with eight games without a win, garnering zero points. The Wells women’s team coach, Gadifele Gaothobogwe, also cried over lack of funds for their unsatisfactory performance, saying even last season their league was running without sponsors.
He urged private companies to come forth in nurturing their talent because it involves many youth who are driven mostly by passion for the sport.
