Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

Botswana's Paper Club took the honours in the yearly Tshepo Ncholo Memorial Softball Games at Tsakane Diamonds in Brakpan at the weekend.

The women's side successfully defended their title after topping the log with six points, followed by GaRankuwa Generals with four points.

Their men's side, who are this year's Botswana Ipelegeng Club Championship winners, reclaimed their crown they last won in 2005.

But it was so close for the Botswana outfit who were declared winners because of runs difference after accumulating 10 points each with Normans from Kempton Park.

Paper walked away with a trophy, R10 000 and gold medals in the men's category while the runners-up Normans received R5 000 and silver medals.

Third-placed Seleteng Giant Killers collected R3 000 and bronze medals and last year's defending champions Mahwelereng Spikes came fourth and got R1 000.

In the women's category, Paper Club received a trophy, R5 000 and gold medals, the second prize of R3 000 and silver medals went to Generals while Botswana Vikings got R1 000.

Bad weather forced the organisers to cancel the final games which featured Paper Club and General (men) and Paper Club and General (women) on Sunday.

But the finalists were compensated with the men's sides getting R1 000 each and the women's sharing R1 000.

The tournament was graced by Ncholo's family including the mother, Christina and other dignitaries.

An excited Ophala Onalenna Kethaetswe, manager of Paper Club said:'' We are coming back next season to defend our titles.''