Apart from the cacophonous noise from the pavilion of Mahwelereng stadium, the Spikes anniversary tournament over the past two weekends provided some creative flair on the field of play.

Albeit the stadium is a dilapidated sports facility, for Lebowakgomo Wild Beasts who won the ultimate prize, the diamond where they executed their game plan was the theatre of their dreams.

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Wild Beasts were on a warpath, embarrassing Seshego sides; Cannons 15-0 and Raiders 9-0 with a clinical display of belligerent batting while their fielding never raised a sweat.

They then proceeded to the grand finale where they snatched a slender 2-1 victory over Vaal University of Technology in a fiercely contested encounter played under floodlights.

Meanwhile, Moletlane Texas Masters reinforced their supremacy when they clobbered Tshwane-based Ga-Rankua Generals Masters with a comprehensive 6-1 scoreline in a one-sided clash.

Texas women lost 4-1 to Ma-Young but that was after the team’s juniors won the development games a week earlier. Texas’ success story during this tournament reinforced the general consensus that the maroon and white brigade from the citrus heartlands is the nucleus of talent in the country.

Although the hosts, Spikes dismally failed to win any silverware on home soil, there was plenty to celebrate during this historic 45th anniversary.
Past and present generations that form the bedrock of The Snakes Gallery came en masse to celebrate this milestone that was established back in 1978 under the chairmanship of Joshua Seroka.

That inception was the springboard from where unrivaled talent was launched and the rest is history.

SPIKES CELEBRATE 45TH ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE 

In his post-tournament interview, current president Thabo Mulaudzi retorted that their anniversary has left an indelible benchmark and will be remembered in the club’s history books.

“We staged this event as part of the sporting rituals of the community that raised us. Spikes has always been a family affair that comprises schools, parents, players and a loyal fan base. We pride ourselves as a sports brand that has produced quality players, shrewd leadership and fans who have supported the club through thick and thin.

“Over the past few days, we toiled day and night to ensure that this anniversary became a resounding success and we did that with great composure. We are pleased to have in our midst the veterans who have laid a solid foundation to ensure that the softball flame in Mahwelereng remains ablaze. Through their unyielding support and guidance, we will preserve the legacy of this great team and leave a permanent footprint” said Mulaudzi.

By Moyahabo Mabeba

*MOYAHABO MABEBA is the Head of Marketing and Publicity at Limpopo Softball Association and PRO of the Capricorn District Sport Confederation