South Africa Off to a Strong Start at WBSC Baseball5 Youth African Championships
Cape Town, South Africa – 9 January 2025
The WBSC Baseball5 Youth African Championships began today at the Western Cape Sport School in Cape Town, hosted by Baseball South Africa. The tournament, which runs until Sunday, 12 January 2025, will determine the two teams that qualify for the WBSC Baseball5 Youth World Cup in Mexico later this year. The World Cup also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, where Baseball5 will feature for the first time.
South Africa Opens with Two Wins
South Africa had a solid start to their campaign, securing victories in both their matches.
In their first match against Lesotho, South Africa started strongly, winning the first set 10-2. Lesotho responded well in the second set, taking it 8-5 and forcing a deciding third set. South Africa regained control in the final set, winning convincingly 15-0 to claim the match 2-1.
Later, South Africa faced Zimbabwe. They continued their positive form, winning the first set 14-4. The second set was closely contested, but South Africa managed to edge out Zimbabwe 6-5, securing a 2-0 match victory.
Other Results from Day 1
- Kenya defeated Zimbabwe 2-0
- Tunisia beat Ghana 2-0
- Tunisia also defeated Lesotho 2-0
Both Tunisia and South Africa ended the day unbeaten, setting up an important match between the two on Day 2.
Day 2 Schedule
Tomorrow’s matches include:
- Ghana vs. Zimbabwe at 09:00
- Lesotho vs. Kenya at 10:30
- Zimbabwe vs. Tunisia at 12:00
- Kenya vs. Ghana at 15:00
- South Africa vs. Tunisia at 16:30
The match between South Africa and Tunisia is expected to be a key encounter, with both teams looking to maintain their winning records.
About Baseball5
Baseball5 is a simplified, fast-paced version of baseball and softball, designed to be accessible and inclusive. The game is played with five players per team on a smaller, square-shaped field. Unlike traditional baseball, no specialized equipment is required, and players hit a rubber ball with their hands.
Games consist of five innings, with each team alternating between offense and defense in each inning.
Baseball5’s streamlined format and accessibility have made it a popular choice in schools and urban areas, contributing to its recognition as an official discipline under the World Baseball Softball Confederation in 2018.
Looking Ahead
The WBSC Baseball5 Youth African Championships provide an important platform for young players in Africa to showcase their skills. With qualification for the Youth World Cup and a pathway to the Youth Olympics on the line, the tournament promises to deliver competitive and engaging matches throughout the week.
Cape Town continues to host the action, with results and developments expected to shape the tournament as it progresses.
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