Wild Beasts ready to defend their softball title at tournament
"We have gathered one of the most formidable sides in domestic softball."
Moyahabo Mabeba
LIMPOPO – ‘Softball at the start of spring is the equivalent to vintage jazz amid swigs of good, red wine.’
This is what Lebowakgomo Wild Beasts anchorman, Nkomori Chepape reckons ahead of the Jets Spring Tournament scheduled at the Mbholekwa Sports Complex in Atteridgeville, Pretoria for this Saturday.
Chepape is expected to lead the black and gold brigade as they pull all the stops to defend their championship title achieved during the tournament’s 2014 edition at the same venue.
The competition, hosted annually by the home side, Jets, has become a social sporting phenomenon where softball devotees gather to enjoy sport, entertainment and drinks.
Chepape, who regularly provides Wild Beasts with the catalyst for comprehensive match-winning, is upbeat that his charges will give a good account of themselves.
“We have gathered one of the most formidable sides in domestic softball, which can cause an upset to any team in the country. We have all our bases covered.
“First and foremost, we have good pitchers who will lead us from the mound with bewildering deliveries. As their catcher, I will be the one who will be giving them directives.
“Softball matches are perfectly won with organised pitcher-catcher combinations, the strength that we have here at Wild Beasts.
“The inner circle is equally adept to field ground and loop balls. We are even ready for bunted balls. The opposition can throw anything in our direction; they will find us prepared,” Chepape said.
“Even if the opposition batters can connect our balls from our pitchers, we boast nimble-footed outfielders in the deep gully to neutralise them. Defence is another best way of attack and we intend to use the experience and skill we have at our disposal.
“We have a batting line-up that is capable of planting perfect buntings, grass-cutters, loop balls and home runs. I am confident that with the level of our batting depth, we can dismantle any fielding combination at the tournament. We wish to send a stern warning to our counterparts that when we trade bats with them, they should know what task they are up against.”
Wild Beasts has undergone a tremendous transformation, allowing the younger generation to gel with senior members who have been with the team for ages.
The team will travel to the jacaranda city under the tutelage of veteran pitcher, Adolf Nonyane Laka, who will also be part of the pitching setup.
