16 Apr 2025

All eyes will be on the 2025 Botswana Softball Association (BSA) League Championships, where the best 16 teams will battle for supremacy in the premier softball competition scheduled for the Easter holiday in Jwaneng. 

The highly anticipated championships will feature softball teams from both the northern and southern regions, competing in a double-elimination format from April 18 to 21. BSA president, Tirelo Mukokomani said the tournament would include four men and four women teams from each region, leading to a total of 16 participants. 

“For women, five teams from the southern zone have qualified, while the northern region has three teams qualifying for the championship. This decision was made based on the ratio of women’s teams in the south. In contrast, for men, we will have four teams from each side of the country,” he said.

Among the formidable contenders in the tournament are Vikings, Gatalamotho, Wells, Titans, Rail Giants and BDF XI, among others. Mukokomani expressed gratitude for the financial support they had been getting. Already, he said since last year they received P987 000 from the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) through the Club Development Fund. This funding covers various costs, including recognising the best players across categories and procuring medals, as well as supporting teams throughout the league.

Mukokomani also said an additional sponsorship from Debswana was used to fund accommodation and meals for each participating team during the tournament, along with contributing approximately P150 000 for all teams involved. 

“We are thankful to the BNSC and Debswana for their support. This funding will significantly contribute to the growth and development of softball in Botswana,” he added. 

As the tournament aims to showcase softball as a sport with the potential to compete internationally while also benefiting the local community, Mukokomani said stalls had been made available to the residents of Jwaneng at affordable rates to facilitate business during the games. 

In addition to the league, the BSA continues to engage in social and player development initiatives, recently hosting games featuring the American community. Furthermore, on May 10, the BSA will celebrate World Softball Day with matches between local and international players. ENDS