A boost for Limpopo softball
A recent successful workshop held in Mokopane under the auspices of Limpopo Softball Association has provided a glimmer of optimism for the resurrection of the sport.
Moyahabo Mabeba
LIMPOPO – FOLLOWING years of despair and disappointment, there is finally relief and redemption for softball in Limpopo.
A recent successful workshop held in Mokopane under the auspices of Limpopo Softball Association has provided a glimmer of optimism for the resurrection of the sport.
The provincial governing body’s development agenda focused on the grooming of budding coaches and grading of scorers and umpires.
A record 103 participants honoured LSA’s call, where 40 umpires, 41 scorekeepers and 22 coaches were put to the test.
The event was effectively held under the watchful eye of decorated International Softball Federation (ISF) accredited umpire, Vincent Maweng, who was among the facilitators.
The latter is also an ISF umpire in chief for the African continent.
Maweng is part of the six-member umpires committee of the international softball governing structure that deals with the amendments of playing rules.
Also present at the workshop was Abram “Gungu” Matemane, who is a level 4 umpire.
The Lebowakgomo Wild Beasts legend is just one level away from achieving the highest level in umpiring called the ISF level.
Sipho Mthobuka, who is from Mopani district, is also a level 4 umpire who has set his sights on the ISF level.
In the scoring category, Pabala Mpachoe is already at level 4, the highest ISF level.
Shirley Ledwaba and Dennis Kekana are some of the bright sparks in the scoring category, who are both at level 2 and rearing for top honours.
Two of the province’s top coaches, Softball South Africa’s senior men’s head coach, Thomas “TK” Kgomo and provincial head coach, Mamphri “Backstage” Sethosa.
Kgomo is an accredited ISF coach and with that feat, the Mahwelereng Spikes softball luminary can conduct a coaching workshop anywhere in the world.
Sethosa, on the other hand, has revolutionised Moletlane Texas in recent years to become a formidable all-conquering unit no one dares to cross pass with.
LSA is yet to announce the results of umpires and scorers who sat for their respective tests.
