Softball games reunite softball players
Approximately 40 softball enthusiasts honoured the opening programme at the Fortress Ballpark recently
POLOKWANE – Approximately 40 softball enthusiasts honoured the opening programme at the Fortress Ballpark recently.
There was a modicum of nostalgia at this venue which is still regarded as the theatre of the dreams for the legions of athletes who have crafted benchmarks and memories.
It was incumbent upon living legends Lemo Raphasha and Makgoba Jankies Seakamela to select of pool of players to form competing teams, which featured the old guard and the contemporaries.
In the maiden game, Peter “4 Life” Manaka and Nape Mathabatha led their respective teams from the pitcher’s mound.
Even though the games were as exciting as one would expect with the abundance of talent at the township’s exposal, there were obvious dynamics amiss from the older team: eyesight and velocity.
Former Cannons second base maestro, Makgabo “Kgablas” Manamela, confessed to not seeing deliveries from Mathabatha.
“These balls are too fast for my eyes. I can hardly spot them midway. I am giving up,” Manamela retorted.
However, Manamela, who was a reckonable batting force in his prime, later managed to plant a telling loop ball, only to strain a leg muscle in his base-running endeavour to advance the second base.
His former teammate, Sekgokolo “Wiza” Ramoroka also had a topsy-turvy performance. Bar a fielding error at first base, he reaffirmed himself as one of the prodigies whose game has not diminished.
At an advanced sporting age of 43, Ramaroka remains a nimble-footed all-rounder who could still be indispensible to both the offensive and defensive line-ups.
Raphasha, a veteran fast pitcher who was a member of the national side Simunye during the 2007 World Softball Super Series in New Zealand, took a back seat but later played a third base.
He is optimistic that the night games in Seshego have the potential to attract crowds to the ballpark.
“From now on, Friday nights in Seshego will never be the same.
“We have issued invites to present and former softball players to participate in these games. The majority have shown a keen interest to be part of this noble initiative.”
The main aim of the Friday Night Games is to revive the sport in the township and the province. We are pleased participants in these games are players from different generations who will share their ideas,” Raphasha said.
