Schools project a home run
In a bid to popularise the game, Limpopo Baseball Union (LBU) has just introduced the "In School, Out Of School" programme with the main purpose of developing baseball at school level.
Moyahabo Mabeba
LIMPOPO – LIMPOPO Baseball Union (LBU), the custodians of the game in Limpopo, reckon they have found the perfect niche in advancing the fledgling sport through school activities.
In a bid to popularise the game, LBU has just introduced the “In School, Out Of School” programme with the main purpose of developing baseball at school level.
The game’s provincial coordinator, Thabang “Contact Number” Letsoalo has confirmed that Limpopo currently has a number of youngsters who are actively involved in baseball activities from three districts.
According to Letsoalo, these young boys and girls are from Capricorn, Sekhukhune and Mopani.
Letsoalo, himself a product of school sports, says they want to take the game to primary and secondary schools hence the abundance of mass participation at school grounds.
Letsoalo says: “we are currently targeting schools in Capricorn, Sekhukhune and Mopani districts to participate frequently in baseball activities.
“We have strategically put structures in place for the coordination of these activities. These structures will run a programme called In School Out Of School and the main purpose of the programme is to develop baseball from schools and the same children being used after school.
“We are also creating a baseball travel team whose main objective will be to acquire knowledge about the game in provinces that are already advanced and also give exposure to our players.
“The team will also be used to develop the game in the province and run coaching clinics, as well as promoting different brands. We plan to organise mega events for competitive and recreational activities to promote baseball in the province and in the country”.
Letsoalo announced that LBU will hold the inaugural School Holiday Training Programme in October, which will be an annual event.
“During this programme, we will invite some national coaches to assist our provincial structure with the training programmes and workshops. Last year we had a coach from the US, Homer Wersing and we plan to bring another coach this year,” adds Letsoalo.
