SA softball heads to the 2018 Softball World Championships in Japan
SA softball heads to the 2018 Softball World Championships in Japan
Vusi Zwane
VUT Sport is proud to announce that three of its softball players: Cassandra Kalpens, Nomsa Mabuza and Rachel Matsimela, have been selected to represent South Africa at the Softball World Championships to be held in Chiba, Japan from 2 – 12 August 2018.
This will be the 16th edition of the tournament and the third edition to be sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). A total of 16 countries from around the globe will compete, with the winner of the tournament earning the right to compete at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
The competing countries are: Australia and New Zealand (Oceania); Netherlands, Italy and Great Britain (Europe); Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States of America and Venezuela (Americas); Philippines, Chinese Taipei and China (Asia); Botswana and South Africa (Africa).
The opening game on 3 August will be a contest between South Africa and Chinese Taipei. Following this, South Africa will play against the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Mexico, New Zealand, United States of America and Netherlands in the group stages.
VUT Sport wishes team South Africa a safe trip and an electrifying performance at the games. This will no doubt add to the team’s experience and confidence.
On being asked how she felt about the championships, Ms Kalpens said: ‘‘The trip is all about experience; learning about how other teams view softball and how they strategise in order not to lose their style of play.’’