Head coach; Lemo Raphasha has expressed confidence in Limpopo’s rising stars.
By: Sekerela Mabeba
Softball South Africa (SSA) has released preliminary team lists for both the senior men and women squads ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
The women’s team will jet off to Oklahoma in the United States in September for the Africa-European qualifiers.
The men’s team will travel to neighbouring Botswana for the African qualifiers in February next year. These World Cups are the global showpieces on the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WVSC) calendar of events.
The world softball governing body organises these events on a biennial basis.
SSA is setting in motion its preparations for these international tournaments.
Both senior teams remain under the tutelage of Limpopo-born head coaches; another confirmation that the province is still the biggest hatchery of talent and the game’s national footprint.
Mamoloko Dipone and Lemo Raphasha remain at the helm of the technical departments for the women’s and men’s teams, respectively.
The South African teams have not fared pretty well on the global scene despite their continental dominance in Africa.
Dipone concedes that the women’s game in the country still has a long way to compete against world softball superpowers.
“We have been African queens for quite some time; but still struggle when we have to compete at World Cup level. The intensity of the world scene is far greater than the continental level.
“African women softball is in dire need for grassroots development; thoroughly groom those players and retain them until they mature to international experience. The starting point should be a school sport and federation leagues where they will get regular game time;” she said.
Her equal members; Raphasha has expressed confidence in Limpopo’s rising stars who displayed glimpses of brilliance during the recent Under/23 World Cup in Mexico.
Despite finishing the tournament at the basement after a winless campaign; the youngsters from Limpopo provided a glimmer of hope for the national team.
Raphasha says he is pleased with the current crop; which he reckons they will in future represents the country with fortitude.
“These boys are maturing well and need to be kept in the national system. They have gained a valuable amount of experience at the National Provincial Championships and cemented their berths in the U/23 team. I have no doubt that they weather all the storms at the highest level of the game;” says Raphasha.
The national team comprises the plucky second base maestro; Reitumetse Kekana has partnered exceptionally well with nimble-footed shortstop;Sylvester Maredi.
The dou has been instrumental in the Limpopo infield setup.
The squad is bolstered with the selection of Kamogegelo “Mablara” Makolomakwe who is indispensable to both the batting and fielding lineups.
The trio was part of the U/23 side and has now graduated to the senior team.
The arrival of outfield genius; Jerry Mankga will add stability in the defense lineup.
There has been mass exodus of senior players but the well-travelled Mohau “Tholo” Thupudi remains a vital cog around which the national machine rotates.
Raphasha will be aided by Nakedi Raphalo and Thabang Letsoalo in the coaches’ boxes.