South African Baseball is proud to announce the final squad of eight players who will represent the country at the upcoming WBSC Africa Regional Qualifier for the Baseball5 World Cup. The tournament, which will take place in Maseru, Lesotho from 30 May 2025 – 1 June 2025 serves as the continental pathway to qualify for the prestigious global event.
The squad reflects a growing momentum for the Baseball5 format in South Africa, with players selected from various provinces. The team has been officially ratified by the South African Baseball Union (SABU) Executive Committee.
The selected squad includes:
Ruben Danks (Gauteng)
Austin Mankga (Limpopo)
Sylveter Maredi (Limpopo)
Ishaan Slamdiem (Gauteng)
Itumeleng Moreroa (Gauteng)
Bonolo Tlome (Limpopo)
Kay’dshay Naude (Gauteng)
Tshwarelo Lamola (Gauteng)
In addition, four non-travelling reserves have been named to support the team’s preparation and ensure depth:
Nicolene Grobler (Gauteng)
Kelly Duke (Gauteng)
Bruce Lamola (Gauteng)
Meekaaeel Jacks (Gauteng)
The team will be guided by Head Coach Americo Juma and Manager Hayley Scott-Maree, both from Gauteng.
“This is an exciting moment for Baseball5 in South Africa,” said Marc Moreau, President of South African Baseball. “This group of athletes reflects our growing strength in the shorter format of the game, and their selection for the Africa Regional Qualifier is a significant achievement. We’re proud to see players from both Gauteng and Limpopo stepping up at senior level. Their participation in the Maseru qualifier not only highlights our development pathway but also strengthens our regional ties within the African Baseball community.”
The Baseball5 format, known for its fast-paced, urban-friendly approach to the sport, is gaining traction both globally and locally. South African Baseball extends its best wishes to the team as they prepare to fly the flag high in Lesotho.
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