Wild Beasts’ wealthy legacy to be reignited

POLOKWANE – The wealthy legacy left by Lebowakgomo Wild Beasts players and office bearers will be reignited on 26 December during the Heroes Softball Tournament to be held on the Lebowakgomo High School diamonds.

This tournament is an annual showpiece in remembrance of the Wild Beasts’ idols who worked tirelessly to put the club on the map before they passed away.

Since the inception of this tourney, the team has honoured the late chairperson, Polelo Masola, secretary, Tlankie Muroa, pitcher, Brightly Sebopa and shortstop par excellence, Koketso Matlala.

Masola and Muroa were highly instrumental in revolutionising Limpopo Softball Association (LSA) into a reckonable federation during their prime. Under their astute leadership, both their club and the association were stable, and enjoyed excellent media mileage and financial backing.

Matlala and Sebopa steered Wild Beasts to memorable victories. The duo was indispensable to both the defensive and offensive line ups.

Sebopa was lured from Kalkspruit Red Scorpions as a well-groomed player who was renown for his perplexing deliveries from the pitcher’s mound.

Matlala, the younger brother of veteran outfielder, Raymond Biya Matlala, was a tactical shortstop genius who performed a whole gamut of tricks, from brilliant diving catches to double-play acts.

The sixth Heroes Tournament will also be the club’s 36th anniversary since the club was established in 1979.

The tournament will feature the homeside, Wild Beasts, the all-conquering Moletlane Texas, high-riding Mahwelereng Spikes, surprise package Seshego Raiders, neighbours Mamaolo Rebels and Motlolo Roots who are campaigning in the LSA’s domestic leagues.

Texas, who is the defending champion, will take a short trip to the neighbouring township where they will prove that winning the tournament last year was no fluke.

Furthermore, Wild Beasts will play host to Gauteng-based outfits, Mamelodi Pit Bulls and Vaal University of Technology.

With the nonexistence of flagship events like the once-celebrated Hansa Classic Tournament, incumbent Wild Beasts chairperson, Nkatse Mahlase, said the Heroes Tournament is one of the most illustrious club tournaments on the Limpopo softball circuit. “Limpopo’s softball leagues and tournaments are no longer as attractive as the previous events. The majority of them have all disbanded. We then decided to host the Heroes Softball Tournament to keep the sport alive,” he explained.

“Wild Beasts Softball Club turns 36 years old this year and to celebrate this milestone, we have planned a mega event that will pull larger crowds in honour of our fallen heroes. We are calling all softball followers to come in droves and enjoy this outdoor event.”