Softball glory for Lim?
THE Limpopo softball men's and women's teams are currently in Durban in search of glory when they trade batting blows at the National Provincial Championships (NPC).
LIMPOPO – THE Limpopo softball men’s and women’s teams are currently in Durban in search of glory when they trade batting blows at the National Provincial Championships (NPC).
The tournament pitches off on Thursday and the finals are billed for Saturday.
The NPC is the premier inter-provincial competition played under the auspices of Softball South Africa, the national governing structure of the ballgame in the country.
In the past, this flagship tournament used to be a gruelling five-day event, until it was recently reduced to three days.
While the women’s side are in a developmental phase, the focus from a Limpopo perspective will be on the star-studded men’s team.
Mamphiri “Backstage” Sethosa, the men’s head coach, has amassed a group of men who are indispensible to both the batting and defensive line-ups.
In a calculated bid to establish a competitive squad, the Sebetiela, Moletlane-born mentor has brought generational mix by including veterans of the old school and the contemporary cream of the crop.
The make up of the Limpopo team is dominated by players from Sethosa’s home team, Texas, who are the reigning champions of Limpopo Softball Association’s premier league.
They are pitcher-in-chief, Nakedi Mohlake, his co-pitchers, Tidima Kekana and Nthabi Kekana, who are expected to lead the team from the mound. The coach will also pin his faith on the province’s most valuable short-stopper, Thapelo “TC” Seshoka.
As the anchorman in the heart of defense, Seshoka provides the catalyst for comprehensive fielding, performing the whole gamut of tricks from brilliant diving catches and double-play actions.
He will be in the Zulu Kingdom to rectify the fielding error that caused the team a gold medal last year when he failed to catch an easy loop ball, a mistake that made the big man burst into tears.
There is also invaluable depth in the batting department, with the likes of old horses, Nkgodiseng Motshelegoane, Thabang Mengoai and Adolf Laka, who are in the team as utility designated batters.
The Limpopo batting order is completed by catchers, Phomolo Phaladi and Mpho Mahapa.
The infield juggernauts of Nkomori Chepape, Matleng Phasha and Daniel Mphahlele are some of the key figures who will add some livening drama in the inner circle. In the deep gully, the trio of Sello “Manganga” Molokoane, Mandla Matswenyane and Pontsho Masingi will be doing the hard running to prevent home runs from the opposition. Sethosa will be assisted by retired fast pitcher, Lemo Raphasha and retired outfielder Koloi Kekana.
