Spartans’ Sylvester on his way to the top
Sylvester Maredi (17) has played for the national softball team.
LIMPOPO – Softball player, Sylvester Maredi (17) is not only a Gr 11 learner at Mphetsebe Secondary School but is also the shortstop for the Mentz Spartans Softball Club.
Sylvester began playing softball in 2015 and was motivated by his friends and coaches to start playing.
“I developed quickly and my coach told me to work hard and not quit in order to become a great player,” he said.
His hard work paid off as he was selected to play third base for South Africa in New Zealand in February, playing against the USA, Singapore, Canada, Australia and Argentina. The team won two of their eight games and Sylvester says it was a great opportunity to represent his country and learn more about the game.
“I was honoured,” he told BONUS. In order to be a successful player, Sylvester says one needs to respect their teammates and coaches and be an active individual. “You have to be fit and have a strong arm in order to throw hard and fast on the field,” he added.
Coach of the Spartans, Thabang Letsoalo says Sylvester has been part of the team and club for six years and added that the team is caring and supportive towards one another.
“What I love about our club is that no one undermines anyone. They always take each other’s advice and they share their skills and new techniques during practice,” he said.
He added that the team has done well at tournaments, highlighting their win at the Limpopo Baseball Junior Tournament in Mankweng Unit C in 2019. Sylvester adds that he loves sports in general, especially softball and baseball because one avoids smoking, drinking alcohol and joining gangs.
“Clubs such as these keep us off the streets and I personally enjoy doing positive things in life, so that I can be a good inspiration to my peers,” he said.
He added that softball has taught him to be punctual, respectful and supportive towards others. Sylvester hopes to one day play for the Mankweng Pioneers Softball Club as he says the team has a lot of talent.
Thabang concluded by noting that the Spartans’ success has led them to qualify to compete against senior teams in Polokwane.
