A Work in Progress

Unfortunately Botswana collected the Wooden Spoon in the 2022 edition of the Kwibuka tournament, losing to Germany in their last match, the battle for seventh place.

This result may seem disappointing but in fact it is a vast improvement on their performance at the same event last year. Botswana won nothing in 2021 yet recorded a victory over Germany in the round robin stages. Also, their losses weren’t nearly as heavy as last year. Indeed, there are promising signs for the future.

Results:

• Kenya (Kenya by 35 runs)
• Tanzania (Tanzania by 57 runs)
• Nigeria (Nigeria by 7 wickets)
• Brazil (Brazil by 5 wickets)
• Germany (Botswana by 17 runs)
• Rwanda (Rwanda by 6 wickets)
• Uganda (Uganda by 9 wickets)
• Seventh place: Germany (Germany by 6 wickets)

Batting

Aside from a bright 61 from Thapelo Modise against Kenya there really wasn’t a lot to celebrate about Botswana’s batting. The cheering and hugs from her team mates was a heartwarming site and indeed it is now the second highest score by a Botswana batter – only the fourth half century in the team’s career.

Florence Samanyika managed a score of 41 against Germany in the seventh place play-off but apart from these two mentioned innings, no other player passed 30. Olebogeng Batisani, arguably the team’s best batter, had a poor return, just 81 runs at 10.13. The skipper, Laura Mophakedi is Botswana’s all time leading run scorer and made just 64 runs at 8.13. Collectively the batting was a disappointment.

Bowling

Florence Samanyika was well above her team mates with 9 wickets. Next best was Onneile Keitsemang with 5 wickets and 4 of those came in one match. Lack of penetration is a key issue and one the coaching staff will look to improve on.

Fielding

The fielding has definitely improved but there is still a way to go. At least it is heading in the right direction. Captain and wicket keeper Laura Mophakedi held the most catches, with 4.