The South African Baseball Union (SABU) has officially announced the Senior Women’s National Baseball Team that will represent South Africa at the African Continental Championship in Zimbabwe this December.
The championship will feature Africa’s top women’s baseball nations competing for continental honours, marking another important step in the growth and recognition of women’s baseball on the continent. The selection reflects the ongoing progress of the Women in Baseball (WIB) programme and its commitment to developing competitive female athletes across South Africa.
The selected players include: Calyn Angus, Sarah Becker, Ateeya Hermans, Megan Hesqua, Jordyn Smith (Western Cape); and Mia Cloete, Angela Duke, Nicolene Grobler, Emily Mahlalela, Itumeleng Moreroa, Kaydshay Naude, Aniqa Oliver, Khensani Phalatsa, Melissa Pieterse, Kaylan Pieterse, Gena Poulton, Bonolo Tlome, Shante Van Antwerp (Gauteng).
The non-travelling reserves are Storm Butler, Kirame Kleber, Nthabiseng Ranyane (Gauteng) and Tara Griebenow, Amaarah Larney (Western Cape).
SABU President Dr Marc Moreau congratulated all selected athletes, coaches, and officials, noting that this team represents the strength and advancement of women’s baseball in South Africa. He also acknowledged the continued work of the provincial federations in ensuring structured pathways for women athletes to excel on the international stage.
Head of Women in Baseball, Hayley Scott-Maree, said she is excited about all of the teams preparing to represent South Africa, including the new Women in Baseball coaching structures and Heads of Delegation who have been instrumental in developing the programme. She added that this tour has been a long time in the making and that the players and staff are looking forward to competing as a ranked team on the world baseball stage.
The Senior Women’s National Team will participate in the same series as the Under-18 Women’s Team, with both squads set to represent South Africa proudly at the African Continental Championship in Zimbabwe. This shared event highlights the depth of women’s baseball talent in the country and provides a valuable platform for both age groups to compete at a high level.
