The South African Under 23 team won the WBSC African softball qualifiers by beating Botswana in the grand finale in Kenya. Picture Credit: Softball South Africa
By Moyahabo Mabeba
The South African Under-23 team delivered a scintillating performance at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) African Qualifiers in Kenya, dominating the three-day tournament held from 25 to 27 November.
Only three nations — South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya — competed in a double round-robin format, with South Africa and their long-time rivals Botswana once again battling for continental supremacy.
South Africa clinched Africa’s only berth to the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup 2026, scheduled for 25 April to 3 May in Sincelejo, Colombia.
Ranked 14th in the world, the young Proteas secured the continental title after edging world No. 32 Botswana 5–4 in a thrilling final. With the victory, South Africa became the 12th and final nation to qualify for the global showpiece, completing the 2026 World Cup lineup.
The South African squad underlined its dominance by sweeping the double round-robin phase, beating both Botswana and world No. 39 Kenya twice before tightening the screws once more against Botswana in the final.
South Africa’s defensive strength was anchored by pace and spin from its pitchers, whose tricky deliveries consistently unsettled opposition batters. The team recorded an impressive runs-against tally, supported by spectacular fielding that included acrobatic diving catches and sharp individual efforts.
Coach Tebogo Manaka, on his first international assignment, hailed his young squad for their contribution with both bat and glove. The team produced aggressive batting displays, combining power hitting with smart bunting to pile on crucial runs.
Manaka praised the players’ determination and growing potential:
“These young warriors are committed to keeping the softball flame burning in South Africa and across the continent. While they excelled as a unit, several individuals achieved remarkable milestones that made these Qualifiers even more exciting. It’s clear many of them will eventually progress to the senior national team. As we wrap up our African championship celebrations, our focus now shifts to the international stage,” he said.
