This weekend saw a double-header capping ceremony for the South African U12 team that is heading to Taiwan for the VIII WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup, taking place from 25 July to 3 August 2025. With squads based in various parts of the country, this provided the opportunity for parents and local fans to witness the handover of Federation colours at a regional level before the team departs as a collective.
The Western Cape Region capping took place at the Athlone A’s Baseball Club with a number of dignitaries and proud parents in attendance. South African Baseball President Dr. Marc Moreau was in attendance, accompanied by Vice President Denis Philander and several senior national players. In Gauteng, the Gauteng and Limpopo player contingent gathered with equal pride. Gauteng dignitaries included South African Baseball Vice President Mr. Patrick van Niekerk and Limpopo Baseball President Mr. Thabang Letsoalo.
The South African U12 National Team departs from OR Tambo International Airport on 23 July 2025 and will enter pre-tournament training upon arrival in Tainan, ahead of the official start of the World Cup on 25 July. The team will continue preparing with a pre-departure camp from 19 to 22 July 2025.
“This is a proud moment for South African Baseball. Our U12 national team represents the future of our sport, and they have shown exceptional discipline and spirit throughout their preparation. We believe in their talent and we are confident they will represent our country with honour in Taiwan,” said Dr. Marc Moreau, President of the South African Baseball Union.
Head Coach Shawn Schwartz expressed his immense pride in the team and extended his gratitude to the squad management, who have worked relentlessly to reach this point. Schwartz and his coaching staff have consistently promoted the values of teamwork and camaraderie, emphasizing that the World Cup will be a life-changing experience for all the players—both on and off the field.
The confirmed travelling team includes Quiwinn Adams, Kaleb Amos, Riley Coleman, Blaine Sawyer, Abulele Sotyato, Maahir Taliep, and Casey Uys from the Western Cape; Troy Branders, Luke De Lange, Evan Grobler, Seth Hains, Nate Lerwill, Jarred Long, Mason Sage, and Sebastian Savides from Gauteng; Rebone Mphahlele and Mosa Mphahlele from Limpopo; and Luke Bailes from the Eastern Cape. The non-travelling reserves are Samkelo Sagwar (Gauteng), Kaden Africa (Western Cape), and Jonathan Stacey (Gauteng). The team is led by Head Coach Shawn Schwartz, with Quinton Amos and Alroy Savides as Assistant Coaches, and Anita Hains serving as Team Manager.
South African Baseball continues the search for supporting revenue and is again appealing to anyone who can assist to please consider making a contribution via the team’s BackaBuddy campaign. Any donation—big or small—will go a long way in helping to lighten the financial burden on these young athletes and their families. Donate now: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/south-african-baseball-u12-world-cup
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