LIMPOPO – The South African softball fraternity owes many success to the late Mphiri Billy Ocean Kgosana.
The retired Mahwelereng Spikes pace merchant was the first black player to play in the white-dominated national team following the readmission of the country in the democratic dispensation.
Messages of condolence started flooding in when the news broke that Kgosana passed away a week ago at the age of 52.
With his cultured right arm and blitzkrieg pace, he provided the catalyst for comprehensive match-winning feats for the all-conquering Spikes alias, The Snakes. Together with distinguished catcher, Ntate Vader Pila, they comprehensively crafted one of the most admirable pitcher-catcher combinations of their generation.
He was a class act in the pace pitching department, leading from the pitcher’s mound with great aplomb and fortitude.
Not only was Kgosana a good fielder in the inner ring, but he was also belligerent with the bat as he batted with pyrotechnic brutality.
His meteoric rise has been one of the unqualified success stories of South African softball. The pace man was the undisputed leader of the Snakes’ attack.
Among the flagship tournaments he featured in predominantly include the Hansa Classic, Bevcan, Sowetan inter-club, the Martin Saas Memorial Tournament and the Gordon Monk.
Kgosana remained cool as a cucumber, knowing very well that even if his balls were hit, there was a nimble-footed outfielder in Koloi Kekana.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy which will linger in the minds of the legion of devotees who worship at the altar of the softball pitch. Kgosana’s contribution to the country’s softball development and that of the province remains unmatched.
thoko@nmgroupco.za
