Dukes joins the softball ranks

LIMPOPO Softball Association (LSA) acting president, Derrick Mahapa is confident that the appointment of Matome “Dukes” Lebea as the marketing and communications manager will assist in reviving the game.

Mahapa said Lebea, who is a former sports writer for CV and Sowetan will add more value to the federation.

“It is a fact that we have been starved of publicity for a while to such an extent that people thought that this ball game had died a natural death. This is because we have disappeared from the public eye despite the fact that we are still playing on a regular basis. We are currently engaged in the Limpopo Softball Association Cup in preparation of the national provincial championships in Cape Town. We believe that Dukes’ presence will assist us in this regard. The man has written for both provincial and national papers; we are convinced that he will assist us to get publicity and sponsorship,” said Mahapa.

Lebea said he appreciated the confidence that LSA had expressed in him, and made a commitment that he would not disappoint.

“Despite the fact that I have been analysing soccer in most instances, I believe that I have the capacity and capability to equal the task and mandate of the federation. I thank Limpopo Softball Association for believing in me, especially Softball South Africa’s head coach, Tommy Kgomo, who recruited me to the ball game.

“I will use this opportunity fruitfully to the benefit of the softball supporters and the people of Limpopo. I am more than prepared to learn some of the softball jargon to ensure I speak the softball language,” Lebea said.

“I have already started with my responsibilities and hope to revive softball in the province as per the mandate.”