The South Africa Women’s U15 team has reached a proud and emotional milestone after completing a series of official capping ceremonies in Cape Town and Boksburg, marking the moment these young athletes formally received their national colours ahead of a landmark international tour to Uganda.
The Western Cape contingent was capped on Friday evening at Goodwood Baseball Club, where families, coaches, friends and national players gathered to celebrate the achievement. The ceremony was filled with pride and emotion, as parents and coaches reflected on the journey that has brought the players to this point. Senior national players were present to offer words of encouragement, sharing their own experiences of representing South Africa and reinforcing what it means to wear the green and gold.
The final national capping ceremony took place in Boksburg on Monday night, just hours before departure. For many players, this was the first time the full squad stood together as a national team, making the evening particularly special. Emotions ran high as the players were officially capped, with national players once again in attendance to inspire the squad and remind them of the honour and responsibility that comes with representing South Africa. The ceremony was presided over by South African Baseball Vice President Patrick van Niekerk.
The capping ceremonies highlighted how far women’s baseball in South Africa has come. Following the recent international success of the senior and U18 women’s teams, the U15 squad now steps into its own historic moment, becoming part of a growing pathway that continues to open doors for young female athletes across the country.
The South Africa Women’s U15 team will travel to Uganda to compete in the Rising Stars Friendly Series against the host nation. The series will take place from 7 to 10 January 2026 at the National Friendship Stadium. South Africa is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, 6 January, with match play beginning on Wednesday. The programme includes an opening ceremony and daily fixtures between South Africa and Uganda, with double-headers scheduled across the week and a final prize-giving ceremony on the closing day. Over the course of the tour, the teams are expected to play no fewer than seven matches.
The Uganda tour represents more than just a series of games. It offers these young players a rare opportunity to experience international competition, build lifelong memories, and take their first steps onto the continental stage. As they prepare to represent their country, the journey to Gayaza stands as a powerful moment not only for the team, but for the continued growth and future of women’s baseball in South Africa.
