adminMidlands Correspondent
MIDLANDS Falcons have expressed optimism ahead of the Incubator Series Fast Pitch Softball League championships which kick off in Harare today. Last year’s league was suspended owing to lack of sponsorship midway through the season with Falcons’ female team leading the pack. The Harare circuit is the first leg of the league which is rotated between the capital, Gweru and Masvingo where there are five teams both for men and women.
Griffins, Hawks and Golden Stars from Harare and Midlands Falcons as well as Masvingo Tigers complete the number of clubs taking part in the league.
Falcons coach, Thomas Makaruse said the club had built strong teams and expressed confidence in doing well this season.
“We’ve a strong team for both men and women and is mainly composed of high school students who are eager to excel. Most of them have represented the province at the Nash games and having played at this stage I’ve no doubt that we’ll do well during this campaign,” he said.
However, he lamented the lack of sponsorship which he said was hampering the development of the sport in the province.
“Parents of the children who are playing the sport are being forced to fund the activities of the children including even the playing kit. There’s a lot of talent and potential in softball but funding constraints are hampering development.
“We’re therefore appealing to the corporate world to come on board and assist us and ensure that we fulfill all our obligations. This will also see the number of clubs increasing,” said Makaruse who also doubles up as the technical director of the Midlands Baseball and Softball Association.
The next leg of the league will be held in Gweru on the first weekend of May before going to Masvingo in June.
Online Reporter