Fort Hare have set their sights on podiums in both the men’s and women’s sections at the USSA softball tournament in Vanderbijlpark this year.
An excellent showing in 2023, where Fort Hare’s ladies finished second and the males fourth, has instilled great belief in the squad that more silverware can be brought back to the Eastern Cape.
After topping the log in the group stage, the women narrowly lost out to VUT in their first final to earn the silver medal.
Siphelo Gadudu, who coached the women last year, has taken over as men’s mentor for the December 2 to 6 event.
He was persuaded to make the move from arch-rivals WSU to Fort Hare by inspirational head coach Nolwazi Mabindisa and has made a tremendous impact since arriving more than 12 months ago.
Gadudu’s coaching style of pushing players to their limits while allowing them the freedom to express themselves has struck a chord with both squads.
Under his mentorship, they have learnt when to enjoy themselves and when to be serious – crucial to a successful team dynamic.
His “hard time, fun time” philosophy may be simple, but has proved highly effective.
Live Hlomendlini will be a key player for Fort Hare at the USSA softball tournament in Vanderbijlpark next week. Photo: Full Stop Communications
The players have been in camp since last week, giving them plenty of time to get into the swing of things for the Holy Grail of student softball.
“I am pushing them very hard. I am deliberately stressing them in the field so they will be able to respond properly during the USSA games,” Gadudu said.
One of the coach’s focal points during the camp has been acclimatising his players to the anticipated weather conditions on the Highveld.
The mercury can rise above 40 degrees this time of year and he is making sure his troops are ready to handle the temperatures.
Their schedule is not for the faint-of-heart.
Each day they are required to sharpen their fitness and stamina levels from 6am to 7.30am, bat and take part in fielding drills from 10am to 11am, and play a full inter-squad match from 1.30pm when the sun is at its highest over Alice.
In the event of rain, Gadudu’s troops are also prepared.
“It was drizzling last week and we also had a session in that. The rain made the field wet, so now we will be able to play on ground like that.”
Fort Hare go into the tournament with the benefit of having retained most of the team from last year. Having such a strong foundation is further cause for optimism.
Several rookies will also make their way to Pretoria.
One of the university’s great strengths as a softball school is ensuring continuity. It has become policy to introduce quality players into the system so that they can easily slot in when others graduate.
He wished his players all the best when they start swinging for the rafters.