LSA boosts Lim softball teams
THE long-awaited Limpopo Softball Association's (LSA) action plan to revive the diminishing sport ambles into full swing in a few weeks' time, much to the delight of the legion of devotees who worship at the altar of the softball diamonds.
Photo: Supplied.
Moyahabo Mabeba
LIMPOPO – THE long-awaited Limpopo Softball Association’s (LSA) action plan to revive the diminishing sport ambles into full swing in a few weeks’ time, much to the delight of the legion of devotees who worship at the altar of the softball diamonds.
There have been deep-seated concerns about the future of the sport in Limpopo in recent years.
LSA’ action plan is contained in a comprehensive mission agenda and features a series of district games, school sport and capacity building workshops.
The programme, which was adopted at a recent council meeting at Seshego diamonds’ club house, will culminate in the hosting of the National Championships early next year.
Softball South Africa has already granted Limpopo the rights to host the annual Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT), the mother body’s premier event on its calendar.
Limpopo has always been the country’ softball talent hatchery and the conduit for a country keen to achieve on its own at the level of International Softball Federation’ Softball Super Series.
The provincial agenda will see the focus starkly on several youngsters who can be considered hot favourites to represent the province on the greatest stages of them all.
The 2015/16 programme encompasses women softball and schools matches, a move the provincial governing body reckons is a step in the right direction to attract maximum participation.
Most significantly, LSA seems devoted to spread the game throughout the province, taking it to districts like Vhembe, Mopani and Waterberg, where it has never made even the slightest of inroads.
The association’s president, Derrick Mahapa says: “we are optimistic that, with this action plan, we will be able to revive the enthusiasm that used to be associated with softball. Everyday people ask us about the future of softball. We are well aware of the concerns among the multitudes who are loyal to softball. We want to reassure them that their beloved ballgame has not gone into extinction. Our province will always be the home of softball and as the incumbent leadership; it is our responsibility to keep the game’s flag flying high”.
Mahapa adds that they are still concerned about the sad legacy of softball in other districts.
“We cannot be happy to say Limpopo is the home of softball while the game is only popular in the Capricorn district. This, unfortunately, is the historical imbalances on our softball landscape. However, we have come up with the greatest plan ever to broaden the appeal of the game outside the traditional boundaries of Capricorn. Other areas we also want to improve on are school sport and the women’s game. Our women haven’t been given enough game time and this has dealt us a big blow during national tournaments. We want to be ready on all fronts by the time we host the IPT next year”
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