adminChampionships which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, later this year.
The championships are set to run from December 5 to 17 with 16 countries expected to compete in the event. The 16 countries were divided into two pools with pool A made up of United States,
Canada, Puerto Rico, China, New Zealand, South Africa, Botswana and Czech Republic.
Pool B consists of Japan, Australia, Chinese Taipei, Argentina, Russia, Germany, Brazil and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe will be making their debut appearance at the global event. In 2009 the 16-and-Under girls’ team qualified for the World Championships in the Czech Republic but they could not travel for the event after they failed to secure visas.
Zimbabwe Softball Association president, Stonard Mapfumo, said preparations were underway and the team was currently taking part in the Inter-provincial championships in Harare.
“Preparations have already started under the guidance of caretaker coach, Mubuso Matanga who is also the national technical director.
“Players have already been selected and we have been making sure that they are exposed to more game time.
“They will be competing in the inter-provincial starting today (yesterday) and on Sunday they will play against a select team from the provinces.
“We are trying to make sure that they get enough game time and practice,” said Mapfumo.
Mapfumo said they were hoping to appoint a substantive coach by early next month.
“We intend to have a substantive coach by the 1st of September and Matanga will move to his technical director post but will continue to work with the team.
“The girls are also training in their provinces every weekend under the guidance of our national developmental officers who are also qualified coaches.
“They are taking them through the practice programme plan put up by the technical director.
“When the team takes part in the inter-provincial championships the coaches will be working out on the tactical areas,” said Mapfumo.
The ZSA president said they were hoping to organise friendly matches before the World Championships.
“We are trying to secure two or three countries for friendly matches. We are hoping to organise a tri-nations tournament.
“I am happy that we are not clashing against countries such as China in the group stages, these are the powerhouse in softball.
“With our type of play, I think we can survive in the group stages because we are not clashing with our fellow African countries,” added Mapfumo. Mapfumo said the championships will open several opportunities for the players and development of the sport.
“We are making our debut appearance at the event and it’s actually a great achievement for us as Zimbabwe to be part of the best 16 countries.
“To the girls it is a lifetime achievement for them to be able to rub shoulders with some of the best countries.
“It’s also a platform to expose the players to scouts and universities that offer scholarships,” said Mapfumo.
Meanwhile, the inter-provincials championships started yesterday with five provinces – Harare, Midlands, Mashonaland West, Bulawayo and Manicaland – taking part at Kuwangira Primary School in Highfield.
The three-day event will end tomorrow.
Online Reporter