SPEDU sponsors Softball Extravaganza
Sport
SPEDU has come on board to support the Selebi Phikwe Softball Extravaganza as a parent sponsor. The most prestigious softball tournament in the country was left an orphan when the former parent sponsor, BCL was put under provisional liquidation.
In partnership with SPEDU, the Softball Extravaganza which is on its ninth year will be held in Selebi Phikwe from Saturday 15th to Monday 17th July 2017. This year’s edition will be held under the theme: “Supporting Economic transformation in the SPEDU region” and softball lovers will once again be treated to an exhilarating battle of north versus South’s best softball teams.
SPEDU’s Corporate Communications Manager, Shiellah Moribame says this year’s theme is in support of the national aspirations to transform the economy of the SPEDU region post the closure of BCL mine. She says the Government of Botswana through SPEDU and other organisations is focused on accelerated development of the region to deliver 7 000 new jobs by 2018.
Sport enthusiast from across the country will descend in Selebi Phikwe over the President’s Day Holidays for the softball spectacle which has been a landmark sporting event for Selebi Phikwe. Following BCL closure, there were uncertainties of whether the tournament will take place this year with member of the Local Organising Committee praying for a Good Samaritan for the rescue.
Moribame says the tournament has over the years grown in popularity and has developed into the most prestigious tournament of its kind in the country and has the highlight of sport tourism. The Extravaganza is now a brand that is recognised in the whole of Botswana and neighbouring SADC countries. It also contributes to business activity in the SPEDU Region.
“As one of the organisations responsible for economic diversification of the SPEDU region, we saw the extravaganza as one of the biggest event in Selebi Phikwe which is capable of assisting the economy of this town, hence injecting some money to make it alive,” said Moribame without disclosing the sponsorship amount.
The 16 team competition comprises of four men’s’ team and four ladies’ teams from both the north and south of Dibete. The preliminary qualifiers or elimination games will be played this month at various locations in the country to select the top eight men and ladies teams that will compete at the finals in Selebi Phikwe. SPEDU spokesperson says the extravagant tournament will be greatly improved in stature.
“The 2017 Softball Extravaganza will be exceptional in stature and significance as we aim to demonstrate its growth over the years and the role of sport in nation building and development. This prestigious tournament is run by an Organising Committee which comprises of Selebi Phikwe Community,” said Moribame.
The prizes for both men and ladies categories has not changed. The champions will pocket P75 000.00, runners up, P40 000.00, third position, P25 000.00, P22 000.00 for the fourth position while fifth and sixth will walk away with P16 000.00 and P12 000.00 respectively. The last two teams in position seven and eight will each go home with a P10 000.00 consolation prize.
KOMATSU has supported this tournament over eight years as the main sponsor for the male category while Bridgestone sponsored the ladies category. As the tournament grew, it attracted more sponsors especially from companies that did business with the parent sponsor, BCL Mine. Moribame acknowledges the sponsors’ contribution to sport development which she says has helped establish the sport tourism niche in the region. The Corporate Communications Managers says the sponsors’ contribution to youth development and sport in the country is highly commendable.
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Yet, the 27-year-old sensation found himself benched before the game even started, due to his Australian nationality, despite his roots firmly planted in Gaborone, Botswana.
Fast forward to today, and Wilson’s name is still missing from the latest Zebras’ lineup for the forthcoming four-nation friendly extravaganza set to unfold in Madagascar.
Pundits from the local football arena argue that this tournament, starring The Zebras alongside Madagascar, Rwanda, and Burundi as hosts, presented a golden ticket for Wilson to unveil his skills, merge his playstyle with his teammates, and pass down his seasoned insights to the squad.
Looking ahead, The Zebras face a rugged path in their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group, battling titans like Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, and Uganda—teams studded with Europe-based talents. Integrating Wilson into the team now would be nothing short of strategic.
Amidst this saga, a ray of hope shined through a High Court ruling, suggesting the Botswana government’s nod towards dual citizenship, potentially giving the BFA the nudge it needed to expedite Wilson’s case.
Yet, as 2023 unfurls, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Anna Mokgethi, hinted at a six-month timeline to legislating this change. “We’re laying down the legal and procedural groundwork to enable dual citizenship. This process will span at least six months.
This waiting game could be pegged to aligning with the court of appeal’s decision.
“This buffer is designed to ensure a seamless transition, enabling talents like Wilson to clinch their Botswana passports and don the Zebras jersey,”
On the V.League 1 Table (Vietnam) – 2023/24 front, Wilson’s squad, Ha Noi FC, is holding sixth place after 13 showdowns, boasting 19 points—a commendable feat for their freshman year in Vietnam’s Elite League.
Since his leap to Ha Noi FC on September 5, 2023, Wilson has left his mark on 15 matches across domestic and AFC Champions League arenas, an impressive feat for his inaugural season.
In a recent WeekendSport dialogue, Da Rosa sung praises of Wilson’s gameplay. “Wilson’s mastery of the field, his spatial awareness, and ball reception, earmark him as a midfield marvel. His strategic positioning is a lesson in discipline, a skill set our team can greatly benefit from.
“He’s a crucial cog in our quest toward the 2026 World Cup dream,” Da Rosa said.
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BOSETU had accused Kemoeng of being a stumbling block to the resuscitation of school sports, citing his arrogant and anti-engagement attitude towards the issue. His transfer to the Botswana Public Service College has been seen as a positive development by the union, as it signals a clear message that non-delivery and lack of vision will not be tolerated within the government.
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The chronicle of their fall from grace in 2018, settling at a dismal 14th place with a record marred by more losses than victories, delineates a club in dire need of strategic revival. Fast-forward to the present campaign, and the transformation under Makhwengwe’s aegis has been nothing short of remarkable. At the cessation of 16 rounds, Tafic perched at the fifth position with 24 points is a testament to an emboldened renaissance.
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