Botswana names roster for African qualifier to WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup 2022

Botswana names roster for African qualifier to WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup 2022
12/01/2021
The Botswana Softball Association also named a preliminary squad for the U-23 National Team. Both teams will try to advance as the African representatives to their respective WBSC Softball World Cups.

The top softball players in Botswana will report to training camp on 16 January, when the country’s senior and U-23 men's squads gather for the first time this year. The teams will commence their preparations for the African Qualifiers for the respective WBSC Softball World Cups.

The African Baseball and Softball Association (ABSA) announced that the African qualifier for the inaugural U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup will be held at Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park, South Africa, from 24-27 June 2021. The African continental qualifier for the next WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup will be played at the same venue from 25-29 August 2021.

A total of 17 players have been named to the Botswana Men’s National Softball Team, 14 of them veterans of the 2019 team that finished in 14th place in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup in the Czech Republic. In addition, the roster includes 10 players from the 2017 softball world championship squad that advanced to the playoffs for the first time in history and claimed their highest finish ever, 8th place. Botswana has participated in eight softball world championships.

The roster of the Botswana Men’s National Softball Team is:

  • Kagiso Mogale - P
  • Karabo Motsholathebe - P
  • Kunyalala Samuel - P
  • Romeo Tshelametse - P
  • Thabiso Radithobane - C
  • Morulaganyi Moalusi - C
  • Unaswi Gudu - C
  • Moses Kgosimore - IF
  • Tayo Kenosi - IF
  • Jurry Manaka - IF
  • Brian Dekoker - IF
  • Kabo Matlho - IF
  • Tiro Mazulugwa - IF
  • Baolopi Thamuku - IF
  • Eric Simwanza - OF
  • Tshepo Ditiro - OF
  • Thabo Dhlodlho - OF

The next WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup will be played in Auckland, New Zealand, from 19-27 February 2022.

The winner of the continental events will represent Africa in the respective WBSC Softball World Cups.

Botswana U-23 Men’s National Softball Team preliminary roster

Botswana, currently ranked 12th in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Rankings, also announced their preliminary U-23 roster, with 37 softballers being called to training camp.

The team will try to earn the only African spot for the inaugural WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup, which will be held in Argentina.

The preliminary roster of the Botswana U-23 Men’s National Softball team is:

  • Khumiso Bagorogi
  • Roderick Bakaabatsile
  • Katso Banantwa
  • Oreeditse Bareng
  • Ali Busang
  • Phutiyarona Chabaesele
  • Mathews Dibeela
  • Brandon Elijah
  • Aobakwe Gosalamang
  • Pelonomi Kasedima
  • Kabo Kealotswe
  • Albert Kganetsano
  • Letlhogonolo Lebekwe
  • Philemon Masaba
  • Pamidzani Mazulugwa
  • Moreetsi Merafe
  • Karabo Mheepe
  • Frank Mmereki
  • Seabo Mmereki
  • Mmoloki
  • Tumisang Moakofhi
  • Mooketsi Mompati
  • Kabelo Mosuthelo
  • Junior Mosweu
  • Maatla Mpeba
  • Reuben Office
  • Thomas Olebile
  • Gideon Puaka
  • Kgotso Rabareng
  • Tshepiso Ramoonwa
  • Bonang Sakana
  • Morapedi Sakoi
  • Zibisani Samuel
  • Laone Setlhabi
  • Omaatla Shime
  • Thabang Tshipa
  • Gillian Uqueio