Provincial softball team prepares for national tourney

THERE was a sense of déjà vu at the Limpopo Softball Association (LSA) training camp at the Seshego diamond on Sunday as the provincial team is preparing for the national championships from March 19 to 21 in Durban.

With members of the executive conspicuously missing, Mamphiri “Backstage” Sethosa, the men’s head coach, was vigilant enough to avoid a repetition of last year’s fiasco that resulted in the provincial team performing dismally at the u/23 championships.

Sethosa’s vigilance was justifiable as he does not want to ruin his reputation.

Meanwhile, there was a modicum of anxiety as several key players who formed the core of last year’s team that participated in the senior national championships in Cape Town, where Limpopo finished as runners up.

Some of Sethosa’s trusted lieutenants like veteran Thabang “Contact Number” Letsoalo, Peter Manaka and Tidima Kekana were conspicuous in their absence.

Explaining his absenteeism from the camp, Letsoalo said the team must tell him if they want him to play in the tournament.

“I will avail myself instead of sweating with beginners. The coach knows about my qualities and he should take it from there.”

Megastar shot-stopper, Thapelo “TC” Seshoka was present at the ballpark, but was just loitering around as Sethosa took the rest of the squad through their paces.

Sethosa still has to dig deep in the reservoirs of provincial softball to get quality players.

Those who honoured the call included Lebowakgomo Wild Beasts trio of Manyane Laka, Mandla Matswenyane and Nkomori Chepape, Raiders pinup boy Mpho “Hard Body” Mahapa and Mahwerelereng Spikes rising star Jerry Machabaphala.

Addressing the players during a post-training pep talk, Sethosa reminded the players of the demanding nature of the inter-provincial tournament.

As a former provincial player himself, Sethosa is well aware that the upcoming event is an assignment of epic proportions on Softball South Africa’s calendar.

“Guys, you need to remember that this is not just an average tournament, it is the grand finale of national softball. Everyone has to put up his entire strength and talent at this level. I have already noticed talent among you, but I am still worried about your fitness” said Sethosa to the players.