Marshal Saniso, coach of Khayelitsha Giants, with three off his players who took part in the recently concluded National Baseball Championships, Onwabile Gxalaba, Terrence Saniso and Abulele Sotyato.
Image: Supplied
Marshal Saniso is one happy coach as three of his young charges from Khayelitsha Giants returned from the National Baseball Championships (NBC) with prizes.
The games were hosted by Cape Town Baseball Federation at Chukker Road in Wetton.
Terrence Saniso, 9, playing in the under-10 age category, Abulele Sotyato, 11, playing in the under-12 and Onwabile Gxalaba, 13, in the under-15, were part of the provincial squads that took part in the national games.
Onwabile and Abulele were members of the Western Province Baseball Federation side and Terrence took part in the games as a member of Cape Town Baseball Federation.
For a relatively new club, this is a major accomplishment for Giants.
Abulele Sotyato in action for the under-12s during the recent NBC.
Image: Supplied
To be a member of a small club, at least by the standards of the competition at hand, they sure did get the memo.
And they are making the most of the opportunity at hand and hopefully paving a road that will lead them to more glory on the mound.
Onwabile and Abulele only have two years of baseball play and Terrence is still counting weeks after taking the game as a sport of choice and they already are members of the provincial squad.
“It’s massive. For these kids to share the field with players from well-established clubs is a huge confidence boost, says Saniso.
“It shows the others at home that it’s possible, that hard work and commitment can take them places, even if they’re coming from a township club with fewer resources.”
Onwabile was named pitcher of the tournament in the under-15 category. She is now well on her way to being a mainstay of the baseball team, with two years as part of CTBF.
A year ago, South African Baseball unveiled its first women’s team and women can now proudly have national colors, another motivator for young players like Onwabile.
“We’re building, slowly but surely. This moment gives us momentum — not just for the players who went to NBC, but for the younger ones coming through the school league. If we can keep getting support and opportunities, the future looks promising,” says Saniso.
The trio from Khayelitsha did not only represent their club with honor but were able to help the province medal at the games.
Onwabile and Abulele finished the games as runners up and Terrence got a gold medal.