After several days in Shanghai, China, South Africa’s Women’s Baseball teams have fully settled into life at the 2026 PONY International Women’s Baseball World Series, enjoying not only the competition but also the warm hospitality and memorable experiences that have made the tour a special one.
The South African delegation departed on 31 July, with seven players and members of the coaching staff travelling from Cape Town, while a further 21 players and officials departed from Johannesburg. The two groups met in Dubai before continuing their journey to China.
The journey itself was not without its challenges. After arriving in Dubai, the team’s connecting flight was delayed by four hours before passengers were finally allowed to board. Once seated, the captain announced a further four-hour delay, with the team remaining on board the aircraft throughout. Instead of arriving in Shanghai at the scheduled time of 15:00, the delegation eventually landed at around 21:00 after an exhausting day of travel.
Any fatigue from the journey quickly disappeared thanks to the outstanding welcome that awaited the South African team. Despite the late hour, members of the local organising committee and the PONY Association remained at the hotel to greet the delegation. Although the hotel’s main entrance had already been closed for the evening, the team was escorted through an alternative entrance where a late supper had been prepared, ensuring everyone could enjoy a meal before finally getting some much-needed rest.
Since arriving in Shanghai, the South African delegation has been full of praise for the hospitality shown by both the PONY Association and the local organisers. Every effort has been made to ensure the players and officials have everything they need throughout their stay, with organisers accommodating requests wherever possible and making the delegation feel welcome from the moment they arrived.
The support has extended far beyond the tournament schedule. The hosts have arranged coaching clinics, pitching clinics, practice sessions and exhibition games against local college teams, providing the South African players with additional opportunities to develop their skills while experiencing baseball in a different environment. These activities have complemented the tournament programme and added significant value to the tour.
The playing facilities have also impressed the South African coaching staff, with well-prepared fields and quality venues providing an excellent setting for international competition. The opportunity to train and compete against international opposition has been an invaluable experience for both the senior and Under-23 squads.
An equally important part of the team’s positive experience has been the assistance of two English-speaking volunteers who have become an integral part of the South African camp. From helping with communication and transport to assisting with daily logistics and ensuring everything runs smoothly, the pair have become invaluable members of the team’s support network.
Away from the baseball field, the players have also embraced the opportunity to experience a different culture, spending time together as a group and creating memories that extend well beyond the results on the diamond. The tour has strengthened friendships within the squad while exposing the athletes to international competition, new environments and different styles of baseball.
As the tournament progresses, the South African teams continue to proudly represent the country both on and off the field. While the competition remains the primary focus, the experience of travelling to China, building international relationships and showcasing South African baseball on the world stage has already made the tour a memorable and rewarding one for everyone involved.
