Mopani softball umpire; Oubaas Ramogale selected to officiate at Inter-Regional Tournament at Camp Discovery.
Oubaas Ramogale has accepted his selection to officiate at the at the 2026 edition of the Softball Inter-Regional Tournament (IRT) with sheer humility.
The Dixon Wessels event is scheduled from November 29 to December at Camp Discovery, Dinokeng where top young regional and school softball talent across the U/13, U/15, and U/19 age groups trade bats.
Ramogale will make the great trek from Mopani region to Sedibeng armed with his protective gear to call the shots in his blue apparel.
The junior tournament will be one of the upcoming events where Ramogale continues to add more feathers to his umpiring assignments.
Although his name is never mentioned among the game’s greatest players of his generation, his star is rising behind the plate where he controls the proceedings with utmost authority.
He says, “When my softball journey commenced in 2005 at Fostkor Softball Club and Sebalakgolo High school, I hardy envisaged umpiring as one of the avenues to explore. I was more focused as a player in the outfield department. I enjoyed the thrills of the physical game without focusing too much about the complexities of the rulebook.”
But while he was playing for Phalaborwa softball club, he found himself rubbing shoulders with Sipho Mothobuka, an umpire with World Baseball Softball Confederation track record.
“Mothobuka recognised me for my passion for fairness and game management. I always ensure the game is played in the spirit of fair play. So, I started umpiring in 2007 after completing my level 1 under Limpopo Softball Association. I am currently a level 3 national umpire, certified by LAS and Softball South Africa. I’ve already officiated at tournaments such as National Provincial Championship, National Club Championship, school sports and domestic leagues in Limpopo.
“My greatest moment so far was officiating my 1st NPC finals as a base umpire. It affirmed that hard work and discipline pay off. That moment really made me feel deeply honored and humbled. It was a great recognition of the hard work I’ve put in and a motivation to keep raising the Limpopo flag high. It was an opportunity to learn, represent my province with pride and inspire upcoming umpires,” says Ramogale.
IRT Chairperson Adri van Rooyen has lauded Ramogale his resolute commitment to his umpiring role.
He said, “Being appointed as an official for an inter-regional event of this stature is a notable achievement and a clear recognition of Mamogale’s technical skill, rules expertise, and dedication to the officiating fraternity. High-calibre match officials are essential to ensuring fair play, discipline, and the overall success and integrity of the tournament.”