Second and fourth-place finishes at the recent USSA softball tournament left little doubt that the University of Fort Hare’s women’s and men’s teams are becoming powerhouses of the sport.
After topping the log in the group stage, the women narrowly lost out to Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in their first final to earn the silver medal last week.
“I am so proud of them,” delighted head coach Nolwazi Mabindisa said following the team’s heartbreaking 7-10 defeat. “Even the USSA chairman said that any team taking us for granted did so at their own risk.”
There were many standout performances among the women.
Mabindisa singled out captain Aphiwe Thengwa, pitchers Awanele Nompetsheni and Akhona Majongile as well as big-hitters Nandisa Mbokotho, Onela Dayi and Iviwe Tshiswayo for their contributions.
In the men’s section, it was Fort Hare who gave VUT a run for their money before the latter went on to achieve the double for the Joburg institution.
In that game, the Eastern Cape side went down 7-12. However, it was only in the last innings that the game got away from them.
Until that point, the Vanderbijlpark outfit had annihilated every single team in their path.
Fort Hare women’s team catcher Sinenjongo Yolwa was a rock for her side during the USSA tournament in Pretoria. Photo: Full Stop Communications
The men from Alice further showed their class by demolishing Varsity College 19-4 in the playoff for fourth.
Mabindisa said captain Thabiso Kebe and Mlamli Mpofana were both “on fire” from the pitching circle while their sluggers didn’t disappoint either.
Unathi Mnyayiza hit six home runs over the course of the competition while Lona Khohliso carried the fence several times when it mattered most.
Women’s and men’s catchers Sinenjongo Yolwa and Sinoyolo Madaka were also both outstanding, the coach added.
Her assistant, Sphelo Gadudu, managed the women brilliantly and the efforts of strength and conditioning coach Slindile Mdleleni proved invaluable.
“We have earned the right to hold our heads high. We are now a team to look out for,” Mabindisa said.
“Both males and females came to play and all of them are so eager for next year’s tournament. They want gold.”
The USSAs were also a personal triumph for Mabindisa who, as a member of the body’s executive, played a major role in the tournament’s success.
She was also instrumental in ensuring SuperSport broadcast the event.
The national selectors lauded her for her good work at Fort Hare after several of her players had caught their eye – not a bad omen ahead of the announcement of the national squads.
Fort Hare’s softballers won’t have much time for rest this festive season as many will feature in the men’s and women’s provincial teams for the annual Gordon Monk tournament in Kempton Park next month.
Last year’s event had been excellent in preparing her charges for the USSAs and Mabindisa hoped for a similar leg up in 2024.