Much more to this skipper than muscles

POLOKWANE – Contemporary softball pin-up boy Mpho Mahapa goes by the nickname Hard Body, but there is much more to the Seshego Raiders’ skipper than muscles.

Since his elevation to the senior side, Mahapa has been the symbolic heart of Raiders’ steamrolling agenda and one of the most exhilarating softballers of the modern age.

Although he usually exudes anxiety under strenuous innings, he is simultaneously a jovial character in more innocent times.

The 23-year-old was introduced to the game in 2004, and today the young lad has matured like good wine.

Mahapa’s record speaks volumes of a dedicated athlete who has represented Limpopo Softball Association in the u/16 category.

His most memorable game thus far is the 2009 edition of the defunct Kitso Technologies Top 8 Tournament, when they trounced cross-township rivals, Cannons, in an action-packed Seshego derby in the semi-final slot, only to lose to Seleteng Giant Killers in the last innings of the grand finale.

Mahapa’s sporting journey has been a rather topsy-turvy affair, but collective teamwork was always in abundance.

“I am the kind of player I am today because I was always surrounded by accomplished teammates who have been patient with me since day one,” he said.

Under the tutelage of no-nonsense coach, Lemo Raphasha, Mahapa learnt the game the hard way as training sessions often took the form of militaristic exercises.

“Playing for a team like Raiders comes with huge demands. Although teamwork is largely encouraged, each individual player has to put in more effort to complement that collectiveness,” he explained.

The litmus test for Mahapa came when he was given the catcher’s protective gear to stop those missiles from Raphasha’s belligerent right arm.

“Being Lemo’s back-stopper was at first an agonising task.

“I took the catching reigns at the time the big man was the fastest pitcher in the league. That undertaking quickly raised my morale as it requires someone who is calculative and has great attention to detail.

“As a catcher, you are bestowed with the responsibility of commanding everyone in the field,” Mahapa explained.

Over time, Mahapa was transformed into a team player who is indispensable to both the batting and fielding line-ups.

Mahapa is now pondering the road to Jupiter village in the Mashashane area where his team has been invited for the end-of-year Naledi Spiders Softball Tournament.

He said they are still waiting for an invitation to campaign in the annual Moletlane Texas Softball Tournament.