The South African Senior Baseball5 National Team is set for four thrilling days of competition at the WBSC Africa Baseball5 Qualifiers taking place in Lusaka, Zambia, from 5 to 8 November 2025. The continental showdown will feature the best Baseball5 nations from across Africa, all vying for one of two qualification spots to the 2026 WBSC Baseball5 World Cup in Italy.
South Africa enters the tournament confident and well-prepared after months of national training and final trials held in Pretoria. The team, under the leadership of Head Coach Americo Juma and Team Manager Hayley Scott-Maree, will aim to make a strong statement on the continental stage as they face off against seven competing nations.
The selected players are Ruben Danks, Moegamat Meekaa’eel Jacks, Austin Mmoloki Mangka, Ihsaan Slamdien, Maria Catharina Cloete, Tshwarelo Bridget Lamola, Itumeleng Violet Moreroa, and Bonolo Precious Tlome.
The tournament will open on Wednesday, 5 November, with South Africa taking on Kenya in their first game, followed by fixtures against Burkina Faso, Tunisia, and Zambia during the group phase. Each matchup will play a crucial role in determining the team’s position heading into the knockout rounds.
On Saturday, 8 November, the competition will culminate with placement games, semi-finals, and the final match that will decide which two African teams advance to the World Cup.
For South Africa, this tournament represents both a competitive challenge and a milestone in the nation’s Baseball5 development journey. The team’s preparation through the Elite Training Squad (ETS) structure has strengthened its unity, skill, and strategy, positioning them as serious contenders for qualification.
As one of Africa’s most promising Baseball5 teams, South Africa will look to carry their momentum through all four days of play and secure a well-deserved place on the world stage in Italy next year.
