Cardinals proud of players helping SA to secure spot in the World Cup
SA secured a spot to represent Africa at the WBSC U18 World Cup in September.
Boksburg Cardinals is beaming with pride after their players helped South Africa qualify for the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) U18 World Cup.
This is after SA clinched a 16-2 victory over Zimbabwe in the final of the African qualifiers at the Boksburg Cardinals main diamond on January 19.
Players from the club, including Dean du Plessis, Lefa Motaung, Joshua Botha and JP Samouilhan, were among the players who represented their team in the qualifier. Liam Karels was a reserve.
The youngsters ensured South Africa overpowered the visitors, winning all five matches to secure their spot in the World Cup in Japan.
On the first day, January 17, South Africa won 19-1 in the first game and 19-1 in the second game.
Under the leadership of coach Dean Mckinnon, South Africa maintained their dominance on January 18. They first triumphed 24-3 in the early match, followed by a 22-0 thrashing of their opponents in the second game.
With South Africa’s spot in Japan already secured, the final was a breeze as the team wrapped up the competition with another win.
Du Plessis said representing his country is something he holds dearly.
“My grandpa coached my father when he was younger, and now my dad is teaching me. Baseball is like a family thing; since I started playing, I loved it,” he said.
SA Baseball thanked Boksburg Cardinals for hosting an exceptional tournament.
“The tournament was at the Boksburg Baseball Club, which played a key role in ensuring the event’s success.
“Under the leadership of chairperson Gavin Watkins, the club ensured the fields were in excellent condition and all logistical needs met, even overcoming initial challenges like wet fields on day one.
“Their dedication, on behalf of South African Baseball, was integral to the smooth operation of the championships,” the organisation said in a statement.
The South African team is now preparing for the World Cup at the Okinawa Cellular Stadium from September 5 to 14.
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