SOFTBALL SOUTH AFRICA

NEWS ARCHIVE

SOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCES TEAM FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2nd Vice President of Softball South Africa, Basil Peters, announced Team South Africa to participate in the Junior Women's World Championship to be held in Cape Town from 7-17 December 2001. The team is as follows:

Natalie ABRAHAMS
Nicole ALEXANDER
Wilmadi BESTER
Angelique BOTES
Christine CRONJE
Hanri DE BEER
Monique DUVENAGE
Alex FORTUNE
Julia MEAKER
Megan MEYER
Carly MULDER
Lauren MULDER
Tanya SERFONTEIN
Kayl-Anne STOFFELS
Kathryn VAN BOOM
Shadine VAN DER MERWE
Jacqueline VAN WYK
RESERVES
Nolwazi MKHIZE
Kelly RHODA
Justine STEWART
Amber KORRAS

MANAGEMENT TEAM
Andre WESSELS (Manager)
Lynn ALEXANDER (Assistant Manageress)
Lester SMITH (Head Coach)
Shihaam NACERODIEN (Assistant Coach)
Lee VERMAAK (Assistant Coach)
Moses MOLABA (Technical Coach)
Kerry BROOKS (Technical Coach)
Shahida MAJIET (Trainer)


TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR JULIAN GEORGE

South African Softball lost another legend.
Julian George, loved by all, passed away after a long battle with illness. George was the ultimate softball player, coach and mentor. His immense contribution to the game is summed up in the many tributes on Facebook:

"God fetched my personal legend - RIP Julian George! You will always be the greatest in my eyes" - Shannin Adams
"Heaven was missing a softball angel, so God called you-RIP Julian George - "Vanessa Mitchell
"Jules: may the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. The rain fall soft upon your fields. And, until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand" - Lynn Alexander
"My heart broken, my eyes filled with tears but my faith remain strong that you will RIP at the feet of our Almighty. I will always cherish our life long friendship. I love you man! Julian George lives on!" - Nazeem Dulvie
"How do you say goodbye to a great man like you. I'm at a loss for words for this was a man that had huge heart and all the time in the world for everyone. RIP buddy" - Denver Anthony

 

UNDER 19 NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS KICKS OFF IN DURBAN



FOR TOURNAMENT WEB PAGE - CLICK HERE

 

SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF IN DURBAN



FOR SCHOOLS WEB PAGE - CLICK HERE

GREAT TURNOUT FOR PITCHING PRESENTATION

ISF accredited umpire, Noore Nacerodien, invited pitchers, coaches and umpires to a presentation of the new pitching rules. The Presentation was circularised by the ISF recently.
Softball Australia, Softball New Zealand and Softball Canada were instrumental in developing the presentation.
The presenttaion was attended by 56 delegates from the various clubs in Cape Town.

WESTERN PROVINCE WINS FEDERATION OF THE YEAR

The Western Province Softbal Federation, hosts of next year's Junior Women World Championships, won the highly acclaimed Federation of the Year award at the Western Province Sports Awards. They defeated finalist Western province Hockey and Western Province Chess. The Softball Federation now advance to the Western Cape Awards Ceremony to be held in February. Denise Paulsen, President of the Federation and Secretary general of Softball South Africa also received a Life Time Achiever award at the glitterinmg function held in Ottery last week.

EASTERN CAPE FINALLY ELECTS NEW COMMITTEE

After months of negotiations and failures to get an elective Annual Meeting underway, the Eastern Cape Sofball Federation finally elected their officials on 31 July 2010.
The Annual General Meeting took place at the Bunker's Hill Stadium, venue of the 2000 Men's World Championships.
The elected officials are:

Chairperson: Siyabonga Jabavu
1st Vice-Chairperson: Brian Etter
2nd Vice-Chairperson: Funeka Mseti
Secretary General: Rita Domony
Recording Secretary: Nothemba
Treasurer: Tsolekile Zanele
Public Relations Officer: Bongani Masika

Masika is also the newly elected treasurer of Softball South Africa

GIBSON CHABA DIES IN CAR CRASH

Gibson Phuti Chaba lost his life in a car accident yesterday (6 Nov 2010).
Gibson started his international career in 1998 when he represented South Africa in the Zeister Slot Tournament in the Netherlands.
Chaba's unique pitching style, with the "wrong" glove, due to being unable to afford a left-hander's glove, became his trademark as a pitcher.
Chaba was quickly spotted and played for Thamen in the Dutch league. He also had a stint in Cape Town before "retiring" from the top flight.
He will be sorely missed in softball circles.

BOTSWANA COMES OUT TOPS IN LESOTHO

Botswana completed the Zone 6 tournament unscathed when they disposed of their opponents in the double round competition held at the Maseru Club Grounds in Lesotho.
The youthful South African teams did their country proud in their display proving that there is depth in South African Softball.
Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho contested the male competion with Botswana, South Africa and Lesotho competing against each other in the Female section.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY

AFFILIATES SHOW CONFIDENCE IN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Provincial affiliates showed an overwhelming vote of confidence in the Executive Committee of Softball South Africa.

Guillo Marapjane and Vincent Maoeng retained their positions as president and technical director, respectively without opposition, whereas the other positions were retained with landslide results. Noore Nacerodien withdrew his nomination by KZN for the presidency, in favour of Marapjane

Nacerodien was opposed by Ivor Lovell of Western Province, for the First Vice President and easily retained his position with a 16-2 vote.

Lovell also opposed Basil Peters for the Second Vice President position. Peters triumphed with an easy 14-4 vote.

Secretary General, Denise Paulsen, easily overcame the challenge from Colleen Lowery of Gauteng (14-4).

The vacant position of Treasurer was filled by Bongani Masika of the Eastern Cape who narrowly defeated Stephan Cronje of Gauteng (10-8).

The confidence in the Executive augurs well for the Junior Women World Championships to be held in Cape Town in December 2011.

RESULTS OF THE SA MASTERS TOURNAMENT



- CLICK HERE

SOUTH AFRICA SELECTS YOUTHFUL TEAMS FOR ZONE 6

South Africa selected two youthful teams to participate in the Zone 6 tournament in Lesotho at the end of October. The teams were selected at the Under 23 Tournament which concluded in Cape Town today (Sunday).

The teams are:

Men
Gauteng - Kosie Viljoen, Darius Voges, Ruan Barnard, Peter Potgieter, Sean Saunders, Mauritz Nortje, Corne De Lange and Polla Stegman

Western Province - Lloyd Stevens, Dane Thomas, Casley Ripepi, Mark Quickfall, Levan Jacobs, Lindsey Kerschhoff and Brandon Davids

Eastern Cape - Yongama Siyathula and Siyabulela Mambinja

Coaches - Andre Van Niekerk and Mark Paulsen

Women
Gauteng - Michelle Allers, Wilmadi Bester, Lisa Bischoff, Angelique Botes, Marizaan Henning and Leone Van Vuuren

Western Province - Natalie Abrahams, Megan Cable, Lara Erasmus, Lisa Erasmus, Lauren Mulder, Nawaal Nacerodien and Courtney Stevens

Eastern Gauteng - Natalie Cronje and Melina Wilkensen

Central Gauteng - Shannon Daubermann and Shani Myburgh

Coaches - Nazeem Dulvie, Cynthia Van Niekerk and Warren Slaughter

Head of Delegation - Noore Nacerodien (SSA Vice President)

WESTERN PROVINCE (WOMEN) AND GAUTENG NORTH (MEN) WIN INAUGURAL TOURNAMENT

After losing 5-0 in the first round robin game against WP, Gauteng North made amends in beating the hosts in the second round robin game and in the final.

The skies opened in the women final soon after North Gauteng equalised in the top of the 6th inning. The rain continued and the field becme unplayable resulting in WP winning the game based on the five inning match (1-0)

 

UNDER 23 NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS READY TO KICK OFF IN CAPE TOWN

The inaugural Under 23 National Provincial Championships kicks off in Cape Town on Thursday, 23 September 2010. The event is partnered by the City of Cape Town and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport of the Western Cape.

FOR EVENT WEBSITE - CLICK HERE

Uncle Harry Simmons passes on

It was the end of an era for Harold Simmons, founder member of the 40 year old Battswood Softball Club. Uncle Harry passed away on 2 September after a 63 year association with the Battswood Football Club. He was about to celebrate his 75th birthday on Heritage Day at the end of this month. The softball club formed part of a bigger Battswood family. From the soccer club the Battswood Baseball Club was formed in 1968 with the softball club two years later. Simmons spent the last few years concentrating on the softball club. He served as Vice-Chairperson and Coach of the softball club and was elected President and life members a few years ago. At the funeral service on Saturday, 11 September, Mo Carolus paid tribute to the man regarded as being larger than life. Simmons, the longest serving member of the Battswood Football Club, joined the club at the age of 12. Eric Dorman, a fellow member and President of Battswood AFC, described Simmons as a “true Battswoodian who helped steer the club through difficult times. Harold was a huge and humble person with a heart of gold. He never hesitated to help his fellow members, especially the youth. He was passionate about Battswood and we will never forget him”, he said

Meanwhile, Seleteng Giant Killers of Limpopo, lost one of their loyal supporters, Mashelo Shogole.
Shegole was the coordinator of Killers' supporters club in Sleteng. He was intrumental in securing the African Meter Reading sponsorship for the club.

GAUTENG LEAGUE KICKS OFF


The Gauteng Softball season got under way this weekend.

DOWNLOAD THE FIXTURES - CLICK HERE

USA reigns supreme in Venezuela

The United States of America won gold at the Women's World Championships in Caracas, Venezuela. The USA beat Olympic Champions, Japan, 7-0 to clinch the world title after Japan qualified for the Grand Final with a 12-3 victory over Canada.
The next ISF world championship will be the junior women’s (age 19-and-under), which will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 6-17 December 2011. The City of Cape Town (Municipality) has already started with the upgrade of the softball facility in Athlone.

FOR FULL RESULTS - CLICK HERE

TEAM SA fails to record a win in Venezuela

South Africa lost their last match against Japan by 10-0. Botswana suffered a similar fate and both countries can now only witness the playoffs which start today.

African softball officials must now get back to the drawing board to plan a constructive manner in ensuring that all the African teams become competitive in the future.

The lack of funding is a major deterrent in ensuring that meaningful development of the game starts at grassroot level.

Cape Town will host the ISF IX Women's World Championships in December 2011, giving the country and continent the perfect platform to prepare softball stars of tomorrow.

International Softball Federation

Championship Site


FOR FULL RESULTS - CLICK HERE

SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN TEAM DEPARTS

Denise Paulsen, Secretary General of South South Africa, led the SA Women team on their way to Venezuela to participate in the ISF World Women Championships. The team will stop over in Argentina to play in a warm up tournament.

FOR FULL SQUAD - CLICK HERE

SA WOMEN PERFORMS FOR THE PRINCE

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco visited a twonship in Gugulethu, Cape Town, where the Pricipaility of Monaco funds sports projects. Members of the SA Women's team were on hand to conduct a clinic for the many children of the NY49, Gugulethu community.

FOR FULL STORY - CLICK HERE

WE WILL CONTINUE OUR OLYMPIC DREAM

Don Porter issued a statement after Softball was not one of the two sport codes proposed by the IOC for the 2016 Olympic Games.

FOR FULL STATEMENT - CLICK HERE

Dulvie, the new SA Women's Head Coach

NAZEEM DULVIE (below left), of Western Province was appointed as the Head Coach of the SA Senior Women's team at the recent meeting of SSA's Executive Committee. Cynthia Van Niekerk (below centre) and Lezanja "Lee" Vermaak (below right), both from Softball Gauteng North were appointed as Senior and Junior Assistant Coaches respectively. Estelle Gerber (SGN) retained her position as manager of the team. The first test for the coaching staff and Team SA will be the Zone 6 Championships in Zimbabwe in September and then the preparation for the World Championships next year in Oklahoma, USA.


 

Softball South Africa congratulates the Ministry

The President of Softball South Africa, Guillo Marapjane sent the following message
to the Ministry of Sport:

"The softball community wish to welcome back to the Sport and Recreation South Africa
and the sporting fraternity, Minister the Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile and his Deputy Minister 
Gert Oosthuizen.

We wish to congratulate them on their renewed mandate to further their movement to 
propel sport to the highest levels"

SA Men ready to depart for Canada

The SA Men squad is preparing to depart for Canada on the 11 June.
A few unforeseen changes were forced upon the squad.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS 

Thelma Achilles heads new schools sub-committee

Click here for full story

Eastern Gauteng and Western Province are South African Champions

Everything from results, stats and photos can be found on the championship website

CLICK HERE

Gauteng preparing for Nationals

The National Provincial Championships starts on Monday, 16 March and continues until Saturday, 21 March. Watch this space for fixtures, results, photos and tournament news.

Giant Killers share the spoils in Botswana

Seleteng Giant Killers of Limpopo shared the spoils with Wells of Botswana in the OSEG - AP Diamond Classic Tournament held last weekend in Gaberone, Botswana. In the quarter finals Killers beat Scramblers 7 - 3. Killers then went on to defeat Botswana Defence Force(BDF) 4 - 1 in the semis. In the final Giant Killers and Wells were locked at 3-3 when the game was abandoned due to poor light. The two teams were declared JOINT CHAMPIONS.

Under 16 Team SA Announced

The South African Under 16 Girls team to participate in the ISF's Easton Youth Girls World Cup in Prague has been announced at the conclusion of the trials held in Bloemfontein the past weekend.

For full story, team and photos click here
 
Under 16 Girls Trials for Bloemfontein

South Africa will participate in the Easton Foundation Youth Softball
World Cup in Prague from 9 - 16 August 2009.

The team will be selected at the trials scheduled for Bloemfontein from 13-15 February 2009.

Invited to attend the trials are the Under 15 All Star Team selected at the Schools Summer Games in Pretoria in December 2008, the girls in the Under 17 All Star Team selected at the School Summer Games in Pretoria in December 2008 who are 16 up to the 31/12/2009 as well as 5 players - 16 and under and two (2) 17 year old players nominated by Provinces.

 
SA Men National team announced

Team South Africa to participate in the Men's World Championships was announced by the President of Softball South Africa at the Gordon Monk Tournament on Sunday, 25 January 2009.

Click here for full team, reserves and management

 
Follow the Gordon Monk Tournament

The Gordon Monk tournament starts on Friday, 23 January 2009, at the Red Sox fields in Kempton Park.

Click here for fixtures, results and action
Noreen Wallace on top of the World

Noreen Wallace of Cape Town was officially appointed to the standing committee,  Women in Umpiring forum.

Click here for full story
Lynn Alexander - Our Ambassador

Western Provinces’ stalwart, Lynn Alexander, was selected by the ISF as one of twelve females that will complement the current efforts of the ISF’s BackSoftball campaign.

Click here for full story
 
Gauteng preparing for Tournament

The new season will see a combined Gauteng Province emerging. Central, Eastern and Northern Gauteng will in future exist as the Gauteng Softball Association. Their first test will be the hosting of the National Provincial Championships in Edenvale, Gauteng, from 16 - 21 March 2009. All details will be published on this site.
 
Top echelon of SSA Executive stays the same

The only change to the Executive Committee was the removal of the additional members. The following members retained their positions in the leadership of softball in our country.

President:   Guillo Marapjane
1st Vice President:   Noore Nacerodien
2nd Vice President:   Basil Peters
Secretary General:   Denise Paulsen
Treasurer:   Mashilo Matsetela
Technical:   Vincent Maoeng