The final Baseball5 national team trials were held this past weekend at the East Lynne Community Fields in Pretoria, marking the conclusion of South Africa’s selection process ahead of the WBSC Africa Baseball5 World Cup Qualifier, set to take place in Zambia from 5–9 November 2025.

The Baseball5 Elite Training Squad (ETS) has been working tirelessly in recent months, sharpening skills and team dynamics through structured regional training camps and national sessions. The final trials featured 12 athletes — seven women and five men, including three players from Limpopo — who competed for the eight available national team spots.

The session was led by Head Coach Americo Juma, supported by Hayley Scott-Maree, South Africa’s Head of Women’s Baseball, whose involvement reinforced the Union’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equity within the sport.

The trials also provided an opportunity for athletes and officials to reflect on their commitment to developing Baseball5 in South Africa, despite ongoing challenges in establishing provincial leagues. “It was inspiring to see the passion and determination of all participants, especially the strong representation of female athletes competing at national level,” noted the Baseball5 technical staff.

South Africa will now enter its final holding camp on 1 November before departing for Zambia on 3 November, where they will compete against the top Baseball5 nations in Africa, including Zambia (host nation), South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Cape Verde, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.

The South African Baseball Union (SABU) commended all players, coaches, and management for their ongoing dedication, noting that the final team announcement will be made shortly. The Africa Qualifier in Zambia will determine which nations advance to the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup, with Italy officially awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 edition.