The Spikes Commemoration Tournament is a reminiscence of the achievements of the former greats.
In the realm of softball in ancient Great North era, the emergence of Mahwelereng Spikes in 1978 signified the growing talent and recognition of a ballgame whose legacy was bound to entrench itself in sport journals.
And when Spikes stage their Commemoration Tournament this weekend, it will be a journey down memory lane, reminiscence of the greatest exploits mainly by the past generations that fashioned softball – much to the envy of their arch-rivals.
The three-day tourney, which is preceded by a one-day golf event, is slated from April 26 on the Kameldoring Gold Club then proceed to Mahwelereng stadium where 11 male teams and five women sides will trade bats.
Initially, the tournament was supposed to feature teams from Botswana but last-minute changes saw the event left with clubs from Limpopo, Gauteng and North West.
In the men’s category, it will be the home side, Spikes, high-riding Moletlane Texas, Lebowakgomo Wild Beasts, Naledi Spiders, Sebayeng Sharks, Mamaolo Rebels, Nchabeleng Lions, Sekgakgapeng Rockets, Flames, Royals and Jumpers.
The ladies section will feature Spikes, Spiders, Seshego Cannons, Academy 11 and the University of Limpopo.
The evolution of women’ softball is a narrative of profound progress and remarkable achievements and adding sex appeal to this tournament was progressive move to add some livening drama on the field of play.
When Spikes staged their 45th Anniversary Tournament on October 21 and 22 at Mahwelereng stadium, there were lots of talking points about the team that produced some of the greatest softball icons of past and present generations.
Since the club’s inception, Spikes players were the incarnate of vipers, cobras, mambas, taipan, boom slang, racer and other venomous serpents.
Be it a league, cup or friendly games, Spikes players would slither onto the field of play and prove that they are the legends of venom.
More than a story of overcoming socio-economic barriers, this commemoration event is a celebration of the contributions and talents of previous and contemporary players whose exploits elevated the profile of their township.
With the pre-tournament rituals now underway, there is an overwhelming aura of euphoria that Spikes is on a cordial path to reinvent itself and preserve the kind of legacy that will remain in the history books for generations to come.
Conny Kekana, the club’s Head of Marketing and Communications says this positive trajectory is not merely an aspiration but a reality being shaped every day.
She said “As the current leadership we will continue to excel and captivate a camaraderie in our township, our region, our province and beyond. Speaking as a woman who come from a young generation, we intend to preserve the legacy that was built over the years by our predecessors through blood, sweat and tears. Our efforts and impact extend beyond the field, inspiring societal shifts towards greater equality and recognition in sports. The commitment and skill of our forerunners have created a legacy where future generations will see a landscape of equal opportunities and recognition, reflecting the true spirit and potential of softball as a unifying and empowering force.”
Kekana, who was part of the of the coaching staff of Limpopo women’s team during the recent National Provincial Championships in Polokwane, says tournaments like the Spikes commemorations are perfect platforms for women to shine on the biggest stages.
“The narrative of women in softball is not a recent phenomenon but a rich tapestry woven through decades of persistence, skill, and breakthroughs. Despite historical challenges like gender stereotypes in sports, discrimination, and financial inequities, women have been integral to the sports world, continuously redefining the boundaries of athletic achievement” said Kekana.