They are biological brothers, just a year apart and in the same school, with one passion – baseball.
The only big difference is their height and the role they play on the field.
On Friday 25 April, Tsatsi (16) and Lesego Tlhabanelo (15) from Hoërskool Die Adelaar will leave for KwaZulu-Natal to represent two different age groups for Gauteng Baseball at the 14th edition of the National Baseball Championships. It will be older brother Tsatsi’s fifth appearance at this tournament and younger brother Lesego’s second.
Tsatsi plays shortstop (a fielding position just behind the pitcher) and Lesego defends at second baseman. Lesego is also a pitcher.
The Tlhabanelos told the Record they got involved with the sport six years ago in 2008 at the tender ages of 10 and 9.
“Our dad was a pretty good player and the love of baseball just rubbed off on the two of us. We haven’t looked back since.”
Asked why they chose the sport of baseball and not the more popular football, rugby or cricket, Tsatsi answered, “I believe baseball is a gentleman’s game that requires great mental awareness and lots of training to improve your hand/eye co-ordination. It allows me to meet great people and visit fantastic places.”
With the game of baseball known to be played by Americans and also the Japanese, Tsatsi believes that, “Baseball indeed is growing in South Africa but, it’ll take much more time to become as big as it is in the US. Baseball in SA is self-funded, which makes buying equipment and going on tour not easy.”
Asked if he would want to make a career out of it, Tsatsi replied, “I would love to but only time will tell as I still have a few more years to determine my destiny in baseball. Whether I play major league or not, I always will have a soft spot for this sport.”
The brothers added that their role-model and player they look up to locally is Gift Ngoepe who plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and internationally to Dominican superstar Jackie Robinson who plays for the New York Yankees.
Besides baseball being their number one sport, the brothers also excel in other sports. Tsatsi received his Golden Lions colours for rugby, plays softball and likes to work out a lot. Lesego also plays rugby for his school.
Still on the road to becoming famous, both brothers told the Record what their nicknames are. Tsatsi goes by ‘TT’ and Lesego by ‘lsg’.
Those interested in sponsoring the brothers on their tour can email tmmathuto@yahoo.com.
