Softball South Africa (SSA) is heading for its elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Saturday, July 8 in Kempton Park, north of Johannesburg. The upcoming AGM is envisaged to be an election process with less drama and fierce contestation as the nominated candidates have no opposition. Incumbent president, Mashilo “Mash” Matsetela is greatly endorsed to retain his position following a distinguished tenure spanning two terms of office. Provinces in good standing will be afforded the opportunity to elect the president, two deputy presidents, general secretary, treasurer and three additional members. Provinces confirmed to be eligible to cast their votes are Limpopo, Free State, Western Cape and the North West. Associate members, SSA Schools Division and University Sports South Africa are in good standing, as opposed to SSA Masters Division. While Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Eastern Cape were not in good standing ahead of the conference, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga were yet to register. When the AGM wraps up its business of the day, the Eastern Cape’s Nolwandle Nongauza and Surgent Skhosana of Mpumalanga will be endorsed as Matsetela’s deputies. General Secretary, Monica Phakalane from North West will remain the dynamic cog around which the SSA administration machine rotates following an illustrious term in the treasury department, the astute John Legodi from Limpopo will still be entrusted with the federation’s coffers also responsible for compliance. Meanwhile, Itumeleng Matlhakoane and Jolande Grobler, respectively from Free State and Gauteng, will be additional members. During its incumbency, this executive committee has been commended for transforming softball in South Africa, an accolade that will forever linger in the annals of the national game. But in particular, Matsetela has earned the moniker of an Alfa messiah who elevated the status of SSA to loftier heights. The perceptive Limpopo-born administrator ascended to the presidency in 2015 when softball was sailing through turbulent storms but vowed to take this task by the scruff of his neck. So shrewd and insightful, Matsetela rescued SSA from suspension imposed by the global governing body, International Softball Federation (ISF), African Baseball Softball Association (ABSA), South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and the national Department of Sports. These preliminary achievements became the springboard from where Matsetela’s big-time leadership calling was launched. The greatest moment under Matsetela’ stewardship was when softball scooped the Federation of the Year accolade during 2018 National Sports Awards in Bloemfontein.
Through consistent participation at international levels under the auspices of WBSC, South African senior men are ranked No. 14 and the women are at 38. On the continental front, the South African Proteas are perched comfortably at the apex of the rankings. The reigning African kings and queens are yet to up their game on the global stages, a possibility the coaches are currently exploring. Today the gentle giant, Matsetela stands head and shoulders above the rest, distinguishing himself like Moses who reputedly rescued the Israelites from bondage during biblical times. “Upon my appointment in office, I ensured that softball in the country is well-structured according to the geopolitical boundaries. Since then, SSA has been able to stage successful National Provincial Championships annually while developing and improving our branding. “While our transformation agenda was in full swing, we were generating greater attention and become the envy of our counterparts. For our tireless efforts, SSA achieved the Federation of the Year Award during the National Sports Awards. It was the greatest highlight to be recognised as the best administered federation in the country” said Matsetela. He continues to say “We strive for transformation through our national executive and also make sure that all our national teams are transformed. Most importantly, our national players no longer pay to represent the country during their international tournaments. We have achieved gender parity and we are taking the question of disability seriously. This term has seen successful council and annual general meetings held in unison. It pleases me greatly that SSA is a member in good standing at Word Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), WBSC Africa, WBSC Region 5, SASCOC and the national Department of Sports” said Matsetela who confirms that SSA has a healthy relationship with schools, universities and the masters associations which he says the mother body supports them to stage their national championships. However, Matsetela concedes that there are enormous challenges facing the national structure. “The lack of sponsorship, adequate facilities, noncompliance and low morale in volunteerism are among our constant challenges” he explains.
Walking down memory lane, Matsetela recalls the dreadful state of affairs, an era he remembers with despondency. “When I took over the national organisation first as acting president in 2011, it was put under administration by SASCOC. At the time, SSA was suspended by ISF and ABSA. The placing under administration by SASCOC and the suspension by the global and continentals bodies prompted the national Department of Sport to suspend our grant, plunging us into further financial challenges. At the time our affiliate members were not in good standing. This forced us to start from scratch by reestablishing ourselves and launch our memberships. It took us four years to finish this project. This culminated in the elective congress in 2015 when I was elected as the President. By then, we were still suspended from international participation” Matsetela reminisces. He goes on to say “Today SSA is in good administrative hands and we are happy about the status of the organisation. However we have more challenges to negotiate. Apart from lack of financial backing, equipment for development remains insufficient while television coverage is still nowhere to be seen.” Ahead of this upcoming elective AGM, Matsetela was in high spirits, predicting a smooth sailing procedure. He says “We are currently having nominations and all the nominated candidates do not have contenders. This shows the level of maturity and stability in the organisation. This will enable us to continue with our vision of steering softball to the right direction. Our vision is to address the challenges that we are facing and I personally believe that working as a collective, we will achieve our goals.” Matsetela and his cohort have been given the thumps up in various quarters, including softball’s living legends.
Among those who believe in the current office bearers is Matsetela’s predecessor, Mathews “Bra Tebe” Kutumela, the Honorary Life President of SSA. Kutumela, who has been inducted in the WBSC Hall of Fame, says he has observed with admiration how the current executive has executed its duties during its term.
“It delights me very much to see how Matsetela and his executive have raised the bar. The greatest moment was when softball scooped the Federation of the Year accolade during 2018 National Sports Awards in Bloemfontein. I was watching the awards ceremony on TV and when I saw a short man ascending to the stage to accept the award. I was overwhelmed by emotions because it was a momentous occasion. That auspicious moment really confirmed that softball is indeed in good, capable hands. It was a historic landmark achievement for SSA president and the entire South African softball fraternity.
“One more thing that impresses me about softball at the moment is the live streaming of the NPC. In my era as president, my executive and I wouldn’t have thought of that possibility. The streaming of these games means softball games in South Africa can be watched anywhere in the world by a large audience. From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank softball administrators all over South Africa who are committed to take the sport to greater heights. In light of the upcoming elective AGM, I wish SSA remains in capable hands for the development and heightening of the Ballgame” Kutumela signed off.