Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Most of the clubs that failed to qualify for the Lebowa Funeral Parlour softball tournament have tipped multiple champions Seleteng Giant Killers to snatch the once-off event in Seshego tomorrow.

This eagerly anticipated showpiece is sponsored for R45000 by the undertakers as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations.

Those that we interviewed this week argued that Mahwelereng Spikes will play second fiddle to Killers tomorrow because the Snakes will be without key players Nakedi Mohlake and Thabang Letsoalo, as well as coach Tommy Kgomo.

Killers will only be without pitcher Vasna Molaba. The players have been drafted into Softball South Africa's national squad.

Said Lemo Raphasha, Seshego Raiders' player-coach: "Killers have cup pedigree and I don't see them failing to win this tourney."

Mmotong Lions' mentor Tjankies Seakamela said: "Killers have a very good coach in Sello Rampedi, who will come up with a strategic game plan to win."

Joseph "Chief" Motladi, Seshego Cannons' publicist, said: "Spikes are a good side, but without Thabang and Nakedi I don't see them winning."

But Piet Ledwaba of Ledwaba Giant Elephants tipped Spikes to win the competition "because they are not a one-man team".

Polelo Masola, Lebowakgomo Wildbeasts' chairman, said yesterday that they were eager to win the tournament and dedicate their success to their late pitcher, Brightly Sebopa.

Sebopa died in a car accident a fortnight ago and was buried in Kalkspruit, GaMashashane, last Saturday.

Moletlane Texas and Spikes play Mamaolo Rebels and Red Scorpions at 10am, while the Killers-Mashite Eagles and Wildbeasts-University of Limpopo matches will be played at noon.

The winner between Spikes and Scorpions will play the winner between Rebels and Texas.