Limpopo softball in need of rescue

THE Limpopo Softball Association (LSA), custodians of the game in Limpopo, faces dire financial constraints.

The cash-strapped federation’s treasurer, John Legodi, confirms the seriousness of their financial predicament.

“Our association is indeed experiencing serious financial challenges and this is robbing potential young players of the opportunity to shine. Softball used to be more popular than it is today and we had sponsors for our leagues and tournament. Since we parted ways with these sponsors, the association is facing serious challenges,” he says.

Legodi says the LSA was unable to send two teams to the three-day annual Gordon Monk softball tournament in Kempton Park two weeks ago.

“It was a sad moment when our persistent financial woes robbed talented youngsters of the opportunity to display their talents at one of the biggest tournaments that Softball South Africa organises,” he explains.

Legodi says the LSA needs at least R70 000 to send one team to a high profile tournament such as the Gordon Monk tournament.

“Late last year, Limpopo was forced to send a skeleton troupe to Durban to participate in the national u/23 championships without substitutes, assistant coaches or team managers. Both the men’s and women’s teams performed dismally as low morale in the camp took its toll.”

As matters stand, the association is faced with a mammoth task of running its super league without any money. The super league offers local softball stars the opportunity to show off their brilliance and for fans to enjoy the sport too.

LSA president Derrick Mahapa appeals to the business fraternity to assist the organisation through funding, as they still have to participate in the u/19 and u/23 national championships in July and October.

“We know that there are business owners out there who have a passion for softball. We humbly appeal to them to come and rescue us from the financial troubles we find ourselves in. We don’t want to see the end of softball in Limpopo simply because of funding problems,” says Mahapa.

Sponsors can contact Mahapa at 083 277 6296 and Legodi at 072 827 3138.