Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE growth of baseball in the country has seen some teenagers from Manicaland also being part of the fairytale success story.
Some of the players, who trace their roots to Manicaland, have been part of age-group national teams, including the Under-18s.
These include Anotidaishe Mukamba, of St Joseph’s High School, in Mutare, Shantel Mavhiza, Chipo Mandwe, Anenyasha Mukani and Sharon Nyamaende – all of Sakubva 1 High School, Pramellah Kapeni, of Mutare Girls High, and Gamuchirai Hove, of Dangamvura High School.
There are also coaches that include Alfred Sithole, Batsirai Murazvu as well as Under-18 team manager Sheila Chikove, who also hail from the eastern border city.
Baseball might not be that popular, but great potential has been unearthed in recent times.
Only last week, the African Women’s Baseball Championship rolled into life at Callies Dream Park Baseball Field in Eastlea, Harare, marking a historic moment for the growth of women’s baseball not only in the country but on the continent.
The tournament, which ran from Wednesday to Saturday, featured Zimbabwe and South Africa competing in both the senior women’s division and the Under-18 Series.
Day One saw exciting action on the field, with competitive matchups that showcased the remarkable progress of Zimbabwean baseball. Although South Africa secured victories in both the Under-18 and senior matches, the narrowing score margins highlight Zimbabwe’s tremendous improvement and rising potential.
This comes after the two nations first met in a women’s baseball series in Johannesburg last year.
South Africa currently stands as the only African country ranked in Women’s Baseball globally, and no African nation has ever reached the Women’s Baseball World Cup finals.
the Zimbabwe Baseball Association administrator and local organising committee chairperson, Kudzionera Madhodha expressed satisfaction at the progress made in popularising the game locally.
“This inaugural championship carries immense significance as the winner will qualify for the 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup, positioning Africa on the global stage.
Upon the conclusion of this tournament, Zimbabwe officially became the second African nation to be ranked in women’s baseball, a major milestone and a testament to the country’s growing strength and commitment to the sport,” he said.
The games continued through Saturday, with strong attendance and great support from local fans.
The Zimbabwe Baseball Association boss expressed confidence in the steady rise of the national women’s programme and the long-term development of the sport across the country.
“We are also excited about the participation of women in the sport. It has been impressive and we hope the trend will continue in that direction,” said Madhodha.
