Mamaolo Rebels will host teams from Limpopo Softball Association as part of its Memorial Tournament to honour its ancestors.
By: Sekerela Mabeba
THE immovable traditions and highly regarded wealthy legacy left by Mamaolo Rebels’ deceased players and office bearers will be reignited on April 26 during the 2nd edition of the Memorial Tournament to be held at the local diamonds.
The Memorial Tournament premiered last year envisaged to be an annual showpiece in remembrance of Rebels’ dearly departed idols who have tirelessly put the club on the map before passing away.
This year’s event will also mark the team’s 43rd anniversary since the club was established in 1983 by Pat Monare.
Since the inception of this competition, the team will be honouring the internationally-acclaimed pace pitcher, Duncan “Bafo” Chuene, Dipolelo “Shadow” Thaba, Kabelo “KB” Chuene Lekole “Mr. Hike” Makgati, Lehlogonolo Petje, Tebogo “Pepper” Petje, Thabang Matababg, Tshepo Maribe and Pat “Nero” Nchabeleng.
The deceased were highly instrumental in revolutionising the team into a reckonable force during the glorious of the Great North Softball Association.
Rebels was formed in 1983 by The late pat monare Nchabeleng , with influence from Lawrence Morwaswi. According to the tournament’s publicist, Thepudi Kgokolo, the Rebels ancestors instilled the love for softball in the sprawling village and the ballgame gospel was wildly preached at local secondary schools.
Kgokolo says the deaths of these legends have triggered the tremous in village where softball was a significant instrument of youth development.
“Over the years, we lost players and it has come to some of us that their memories be reignited. Some of them are so exciting to dwell on, so we decided let make this tournament their remembrance. It has been a success last year and this year we are hoping to make it even better” he said.
The remembrance event is expected to draw large crowds from local villagers, participating teams and ballgame devotees who worship at the altar of softball conviction.
“This tournament is so close to our hearts as all people who have passed have made an immense contribution to our lives and society as a whole. Even beyond their graves, they remain our jewel and roses in that they put Mamaolo on the map, especially Bafo who represented the country on the international scene. We believe in African spirituality that this event has their blessings and the proceedings will run smoothly…” Kgokolo said.
The Rebels Memorial Tournament is set to entrench itself on Limpopo Softball Association’s annual calendar of events.
This year’s edition will feature cross-village rivals, Lebowakgomo Wild Beasts, Naledi Spiders, Waterberg Softball Club,
Motlolo Rootss, Nchabeleng Lions and the University of Limpopo.
The one-day tournament will be played on a round-robin format.
Pitch-off is at 08h00.
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