South Africa win African Championship over Botswana; both advance to WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup

World No. 39 South Africa won the Africa Qualifier for the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup, going undefeated in the opening round, and claiming one of the two available spots in the tournament. World No. 47 Botswana finished in second place, and claimed the second ticket to the premier international women's softball tournament. 

South Africa swept the double round robin with two wins against Botswana, Kenya and Lesotho, and finished atop of the standings. Botswana claimed second spot with a 4-2 record. The tournament was expected to finish with a page playoffs on Friday, but the tournament was finished early due to rain, so the round robin standings became official. Kenya (2-4) and world No. 62 Lesotho (0-6) finished third and fourth respectively.

As Africa 1, South Africa join world No. 5 Puerto Rico, No. 10 Netherlands, No. 11 Spain, No. 27 Cuba and one team from Asia in Group B in Valencia, Spain from 18-22 July.

Botswana, as Africa 2, qualified for Group A, which will be played in Dublin, Ireland from 11-15 July, and already includes world No. 1 USA, No. 9 Australia, No. 16 Great Britain, No. 17 Ireland (host) and one team from Asia to be determined.

South Africa qualified to play the Women’s Softball World Cup for the eighth time. After their debut in Fujinomiya 1998 (JPN), they have played in seven of the last nine editions, missing only 2014 and 2016. Their best performance has been a 14^th place in Saskatoon 2002.

For Botswana, it will be their sixth participation in the Women’s Softball World Cup. They made their debut in St. Johns, Canada, in 1994 with an 18^th place finish, and played the last edition of the event in 2018, finishing in last place. Their best performance has been a 14^th position (twice in Beijing 2006 and Haarlem 2014).