Former Vosloorus softball players to honour memory of sportsmen
It is one of the sporting codes that were able to unite the youth of Kathorus.
Former Vosloorus softball players are preparing to host the prayer meeting in memory of the late players from various clubs within the area.
The purpose of the prayer meeting is to remember and honour at least 17 softball players who passed away over the years.
Former players Lucky Matlala, Aubrey Mofokeng, Tshele Matshuma, Rapule Tsotesti and the coordinator, Zulu Ratswana, recently developed the idea to host the event.
The aim is to help former players get closure as some of them were not able to attend the funerals of their sporting mates, from clubs like Panthers, Wallabies, Pelican and Dodgers.
Panthers and Wallabies were the forerunners clubs, followed by Pelican and Dodgers, at the time softball were introduced as a sport between the late 80s and early 90s.
Softball is an international sport, played with a bigger ball on a smaller field, that is comparable to baseball.
It is one of the sporting codes that helps unite the youth of Kathorus.
Vosloorus clubs played against clubs from Kathorus and surrounding townships namely Mexican and Katz from Katlehong, Heroes from Duduza, Debonairs from Kwa-Thema, Hellions from Waterville, Pagans from Daveyton as well as Marauders from Tsakane, among others.
Ratswana, who represented Dodgers, said the team emanated from the squad of Ilinge High School when coach Bernard Figlan converted it into a club.
“After we assumed the status of Dodgers, we started playing friendly games and, surprisingly, we outplayed all the opponents we came across, to an extent that we even broke the record after we were the first team to beat White Side at Denville, Germiston,” said Ratswana.
He said approximately three to four players were selected to play for the national squad.
“We went further to win the first-ever sponsored league of the East Rand, sponsored by Victor Beer. From there we received a lot of invitations from provinces to come and play.”
Ratswana said there was fierce competition between Vosloorus and Katlehong clubs.
“When we play Mexican, the grounds would swell up in numbers and fans would sing and ululate when we take the field,” he added.
“Dodgers was able to attract most of the youth from our kasi. They were entertained by the games and enjoyed singing throughout the game.”
He said Matlala was one of the people who achieved a national badge and is still taking part in the sport.
“Unfortunately some of the good players passed on at different times due to various illnesses or causes of death. When we count them we have at least 17 of them. We want to dedicate this event to them.”
The deceased players include Soul Makgoke, Mathews Sekutu, Thuso Moahlodi, Dan Biloane, Boyce Mohalanyane, Thabiso Motaung, Moitheri Motaung, Timothy Ntsuku, Lucky Letlhage, Chief Mabedla, Jan Rakitla, Aubrey Matlala, Chief (Mokgako), Lati Sobhuza, Conny Pooe and Toffee Mogotlane.
Ratswana appealed to community members, local businesses and former players for support to raise funds that will be used to print photographs of the late players, and catering and for marketing the event.
Although the event is still in the planning stage, the organisers intend to host it towards the end of March, at Vosloorus Civic Center.
Details about the event will be made available once the organisers have concluded planning.
To contribute or for more information contact Ratswana at 063 530 3227.
