Limpopo Baseball Union chairman Thabang Letsoalo says the national championships will prepare the players for international standards.
A young brigade of Limpopo baseball pool will embark on a great trek to the National Provincial Championships in Boksburg for what will be a soul-searching mission.
Limpopo will be among the baseball playing provinces gathered in Gauteng from March 28 to 30.
The annual juniors inter-provincial tournament is one of the flagship events on South African Baseball Union’s calendar.
Limpopo is sending an ever-growing team in the under/12, 15, and 18 categories.
Under 12 coach, Nakedi Sekoala said her charges are bracing themselves for a brutal opposition mainly from the hosting Gauteng and Western Cape.
The two provinces have developed rapidly over the years and have dominated the national game.
Through modernised development structures, they have become consistent hatcheries of talent for both junior and senior national sides.
Sekoala says they will descend to Gauteng mindful of the demanding nature of the tournament, yet to make a significant impact on the field of play.
She said, “We are aware of the brutality of this tournament, but we’re not going there just to add to the numbers. Our players are maturing well through the training camps we hold consistently. Every [training] session has its own positives, and this builds confidence in the players.
“For a good start at the tournament, we are going to treat our group stages like elimination rounds. The best way to do so is to be consistent in batting and concede fewer runs. The more we score a heap of runs in the opening games, the greater the momentum will grow in the camp.”
Under 15 coach Americo Juma is also upbeat that his boys will make a remarkable performance at the event.
“The mood in the camp is high. These youngsters are eager to climb the ladder and be counted among the greatest in the game.”
Limpopo will be at these games with some international stars who who have represented the country at the World Baseball Softball Confederation tourneys.
The likes of Rebone Mphahlele, Mosa Mphahlele, Matsobane Maeta and Sthembiso Chuma have already featured predominantly on the international stages.
Limpopo Baseball Union chairman Thabang Letsoalo said they will use the national event as a learning curve a part of the federation’s development plan.
“We doing all our best to give these youngsters enough game time. Our developmental agenda started way back at grassroot level with players assembling on a regular basis over weekends for training camps. We also do so with league games. “Now that they have gained some valuable lessons, we are taking them to the national level where the competition is much demanding. The lessons they will gain at this level will elevate them physically and tactically. By so doing, we’re preparing them for international standards,” he said.