After a lacklustre 2024 Limpopo Softball Association Super League, it’s time for
softballers to dust off the cobwebs at the Moletlane Texas Softball Tournament.
Zebediela, a citrus hub and the biggest hatchery of softball talent in South Africa, will play host to eighth edition of this competition scheduled for December 14–15.
Over the years since its inception, this annual show piece has grown by leaps and bounds, featuring prominent clubs from South Africa and Botswana.
The upcoming weekend will mark the resumption of hostilities between the two southern African softball giants who have been at each other’s throats in the battle for continental
supremacy.
Players from South Africa and Botswana are familiar with each other after they traded bats during the African qualifiers when South Africa clobbered their neighbours to book their berth in the recently held XVIII World Baseball Softball Confederation World Cup held in the US city of Oklahoma from September 17-21.
The Moletlane Texas tourney has generated so much interest in Botswana and this year country is sending some of the top clubs whose players have cemented their positions in the country’s national squad.
Botswana will be well represented by Wells International, Comets, Rail Giants, Vikings and Diamonds with some of the players still fresh from the continental qualifiers and the World Cup.
Constance Monametsi, Comets director, said Botswana teams are aware of the abundance of talent in South African teams, a testament why the country is the reigning king on the continent.
“This tournament will strengthen relationships between South Africa and Botswana in softball circles. We have met several times during continental battles and masters tournaments. Some of the players coming from participating teams have international experience having played in the world cups more than four times,” she said.
Over 10 national players from the national team are expected to feature in the Texas line-up under the tutelage of Thapelo Seshoka, a provincial head coach and former assistant national coach and player.
The internally-acclaimed Tidima Kekana, spin maestro Kagiso Aphane, Mohau Thupudi, Koketso Kekana, Lesiba Kekana, Itumeleng Kekana and Lucas Ledwaba are some of the sharp arrows in Seshoka’s quiver.
South Africa will be represented by Lebowakgomo Wild Beasts, Mahwelereng Spikes, Sebayeng Sharks, Mamelodi Pitbulls, Royals and Flames.
Pitch-off for this tournament on Saturday is 8am, weather permitting.
