The South African softball nation has agreed in unison that there was no need to fix an administrative vehicle that was not broken.
This was evidenced by the reinstatement of Softball South Africa’s (SSA) National Executive Committee (NEC) during the federation’s 3rd elective conference since the federation was placed under administration in 2012 held in Kempton Park on July 8.
The call for the new sheriffs at the headquarters of the national governing body would have been uncalled for – the national game seems to be in sound, capable hands and entrusted in intelligent minds. The core business of the day was for SSA affiliates to elect the President, two Deputy Presidents, General Secretary, Treasurer and three additional members. En route to SSA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), it was straightforwardly predictable that incumbent President Mashilo “Mash” Matsetela and his cohort will be reinstated [unopposed] in office to run the affairs of softball in the country.
Still at the top echelons of SSA’s NEC are the Eastern Cape’s Nolwandle Nongauza and Surgent Skosana of Mpumalanga redeployed as Matsetela’s second-in-command. Monica Phakalane, from North West will remain the vibrant cog around which the SSA administration machine rotates. Her crucial position as General Secretary and other women in the NEC bears testimony to SSA’s endeavour for gender parity. Limpopo-born, John Legodi also remains SSA’s treasurer and head of compliance after an impressive tenure in handling the federation’s coffers with supreme diligence. Legodi’s proficiency in financial management has endeared him among the multitudes, making him the envy among federations in sports circles. The national softball governing body will be completed by two additional members in Jolande Grobler and Itumeleng Matlhakoane, respectively from Free State and Gauteng.
Schools and tertiary institutions chairpersons led by Mr. Bernard Boshomane and Mr. Phokoane Mapheto are part of the executive committee whilst Masters Divisions is due for elections this year and their elected chairperson will be part of the executive committee of Softball South Africa.
Without any fragmentation and tedious political grand soap opera at the AGM, there was no contestation for the NEC positions suffice to say that the Matsetela train is still steamrolling its way to deliver softball to its final destination. The reinstatement of the office bearers was an apparent testament that the men and women in the corridors of power at SSA have acquitted themselves well ever since they were voted into office without contest since 2015.
“When I was first elected as the interim president back in 2012, SSA was placed under administration by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). Those were trying times because our national governing structure was suspended by International Softball Federation (ISF) and African Baseball Softball Association (ABSA). Because we were placed under administration by the national Olympic body and the suspension by both the continental and international bodies, the national Department of Sport also suspended our grant. Those sanctions systematically plunged us into further financial challenges. At the time our affiliate members were not in good standing. So, for us to get things off to a positive start, we had to reestablish ourselves and launch our memberships. It was a four-year project that culminated in the elective congress in 2015 when I was elected as the President. The suspension was still underway but the attitude in the executive was very much positive” Matsetela recalls.
Matsetela, who swell through the ranks as chairman of Limpopo Softball Association and treasurer of Limpopo Sports Confederation, said softball’s dark days needed an executive committee who had the best interest of the game at heart. He said “We had to navigate through turbulent storms in order to win back the trust of SASCOC, the national Department of Sports in order to return to the international stage. It was a collective task every executive member had to take by the scruff of the neck. Because of the unbreakable spirit among us, we managed to steer our ship towards the right direct but the heavy storms were still persistent.”
When the stormy weather slightly returned to self-control after the lifting of the ban, the return to the global scene and the reinstatement of the grant, the mission of the first magnitude resonated with a national development plan. For the umpteenth era, softball, like many other sporting codes in South Africa, it remains marginalised in most quarters and the mass media often shows little interest in its coverage, especially the broadcasting industry. However, despite the media blackout in the country, softball events are hugely disseminated through social media platforms by the legion of devotees who worship at the altar of Ballgame conviction.
Matsetela’s vision has always been clear since his ascension to power alongside a formidable NEC of visionaries.
“Among the targets we set as the executive was to create additional sources for funding. Furthermore, we want to create development structures that will enable all our national teams to perform better at international levels. We haven’t reached some of those goals but there is indeed an overwhelming atmosphere of euphoria.” Matsetela says the struggle must continue in a bid to elevate the standard of softball in the country in order for SSA to cement its continental dominance in Africa and the raise the bar on the global front.
He said “In a nutshell, the way forward will be anchored by multipronged pillars… SSA is in dire need for brand awareness in order to promulgate its activities to a wider milieu. We also need to promote good governance and sound administration. As the incumbent executive, we will always preach the gospel of compliance of statutes to our affiliates. In order for our national teams to compete at the highest levels, especially at World Cups, we need to ensure that our players get sufficient and intensive training during their pre-tournament preparations whilst at the same time investing in development structures. If this is done accordingly, we could see our national teams improving on our international takings.
“We also need to take gender parity seriously as well as promoting access to softball for disabled athletes and administrators. This is possible and will be well-executed because we remain to be an ethical leadership that can sustain the game through early development, promote wellness and create a healthy environment for our players. Our success stories will definitely generate sponsorship and strengthen our relationship with stakeholders.” Matsetela’ sentiments are shared by Legodi who reputedly saved SSA from the abyss of insolvency. Perched at the helm of the federation’s treasury, he put emphasis on the urgent need to increase revenue streams by looking for new opportunities.