Softball South Africa launches National Club Championship, set to begin in Kempton Park

South Africa’s brand-new National Club Championships (NCC) will debut this weekend at the Red Sox Diamonds in Kempton Park, running from 30 to 31 August. A total of 10 teams – six men’s and four women’s – will participate in the inaugural edition of the event.

In the men’s tournament, the competing clubs are Eastern Cape Yankees, Lebowakgomo Wild Beasts, Nyakallong Spartans, Moletlane Texas, Sasol Yankees and Tribe Hawks. The teams will play a single round robin, with the top three advancing to the play-offs.

The women’s competition will feature Eastern Cape Titans, Moletjie Cheetahs, Moletlane Texas and Valhalla Viqueens Baseball and Softball Club. They will contest a double round robin, with the top two qualifying for the final.

“This is a culmination of many years of consultations with our members. We are pleased that our members have given the Executive Committee the green light to implement the resolution of the council to stage this tournament," said Mashilo Matsetela, President of Softball South Africa. “We are also elated that clubs that have won their provincial leagues have agreed to participate in this inaugural tournament. We are looking forward to an entertaining softball event over the weekend.”

South Africa currently stands at No. 14 in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Ranking with 389 points, and No. 38 in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Ranking with 200 points. In both cases, the country is the highest-ranked African nation.