Lim’s softball is in dire straits

A DARK cloud is hovering over the Limpopo Softball Association’s (LSA) prospects ahead of the eagerly awaited Softball South Africa (SSA) u/23 national championships.

The sport’s provincial governing body finds itself in financial difficulty with the flagship tournament due to take place only a few weeks from now.

The LSA is expected to send two competitive teams, men and women, to Durban for the three-day tournament from October 4 to 6.

The u/23 national championship is one of the crowd-pulling events on the SSA calendar where youngsters shine on the biggest stage of the ballgame.

According to LSA acting president, Derrick Mahapa, they need more than R60 000 to pay for their trip to KwaZulu Natal.

Their touring party comprises players, technical staff, team management and the executive committee and they need R27 000 to cover their accommodation costs alone.

Mahapa, however, is still optimistic that, even though the provincial federation faces financial difficulties at this stage, plans are afoot to raise funds to ensure that their trip materialises.

“We have to make this trip a resounding success. Our participation in this tournament is crucial because it is part of our development plan. We took our u/19 players as a base for the u/23 squad and beefed it up with other experienced players from both categories. We appeal to the business fraternity, stakeholders and the general public to assist us financially. We need about R60 000 to cover our costs entirely,” he said.

Limpopo performed exceptionally well during last year’s competition.

The men’s team finished as runners up while the women’ side wrapped up their campaign by taking up the third place on the winners’ podium.

Mahapa is confident that both teams will improve on their past performances in their bid to conquer this annual inter-provincial tournament.

The men’s team will be under the tutelage of Thapelo Seshoka and Tidima Kekana, aided by Nkomori Chepape. Ntate Pila has been tasked with the guidance of the women’s team with the help of Peter Sekhaolelo and Margaret Laka.

For more information or to donate, contact Mahapa at 083 277 6296 or Mokgadi Moswazi at 079 493 6958.