TK Kgomo at the helm
SOFTBALL South Africa' (SSA) head coach Thomas 'TK' Kgomo says the selection of five star players from Limpopo into the All Stars Team reaffirms the everlasting existence of the game in the province.
LIMPOPO – SOFTBALL South Africa’ (SSA) head coach Thomas ‘TK’ Kgomo says his reappointment at the helm of the national side and the selection of five star players from Limpopo into the All Stars Team reaffirms the everlasting existence of the game in the province.
Kgomo, who cut his coaching teeth with the University of Limpopo, was reappointed to guide the fortunes of the senior men’s team after the recent National Provincial Championships (NPC) held in Durban.
Lebowakgomo Wild Beasts legend Raymond ‘Beer’ Matlala, who was inarguably the greatest outfielder of the defunct Great North Softball Association, was appointed assistant coach of the senior women’ side under the tutelage of head coach Nazeem Dulvie.
Moletlane Texas’ artistic pitcher, Tdima Kekana was rated Best Pitcher together with two of Ekurhuleni’s finest: Francois Steyn and Remembrance Mengoai.
Another Texas luminary, Matleng Phasha, was inducted into the star-studded team following an extraordinary performance at the demanding shot-stop position.
The infield duo of Seshego Raiders newcomer Phomolo Phaladi and Sello ‘Manganga’ Molokoane will also add some livening human drama in the national team’s inner circle.
Wild Beasts rising star outfielder Pontso Masengi’s meteoric performance also caught the eyes of the national selectors.
For many years, Limpopo has been a consistent feeding trough of the national side and Kgomo says this augurs well for the province’s development agenda ahead of next year’s NPC to be held in Polokwane.
An optimistic Kgomo said, “The selection of these talented boys to the national team revives hope that softball in Limpopo is still alive and well.
“As part of the All Stars Team, these players are expected to impart their knowledge to other players at their respective clubs. Their selection in this star-studded team also confirms that there is still an abundance of talent in our province.
“What is expected from us as coaches is to ensure that this talent is well-nurtured so as to preserves the sport and keep the softball flame ablaze.
“With this level of talent at our disposal, there is also renewed optimism that we can revive softball at schools.
“Schools have in the past played a fundamental role in the development drive of our game. That level of mass participation has waned. However, we intend to turn the tables around.”
