National softball team ready for World Cup
South African softball team heads to WBSC Men's Softball World Cup with high hopes, led by coach Lemo Raphasha and a strong Limpopo contingent.
POLOKWANE – Head coach of the South African softball team, Lemo Raphasha, is optimistic about his team’s performance at the upcoming WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup, scheduled from September 17-21 in Oklahoma City.
Raphasha, a former coach of Seshego Raiders Softball Club, will lead the national squad, which includes eight players from the Limpopo Softball Association.
The Limpopo contingent consists of veteran pitcher Tidima Kekana, Lucas Ledwaba, Seun Aphane, and Mogau Thopudi from Moletlane Texas; Lucas Lamola from Naledi Spiders; and Kamogelo Makolomakwe, Mandla Matswenyane, and Nkomori Chepape from Lebowakgomo Wildebeast.
Raphasha expressed confidence in their chances of success. “We are up against Guatemala, Colombia, the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. Japan is the only team that poses a real threat, but we have a determined squad that wants to win. We’ve prepared well, winning all our practice matches, and now we need the support of the country. We’re going there to represent South Africa with pride,” he said.