The last 18 months saw the softball fraternity suffer tremendously, losing many of its members to Covid-19, along with other illnesses.
Among those that departed this earth are former national coach, Lester Smith, and current Western Cape men’s team manager, Melvyn May.
Many legends like Brian Lombard, Joe Jaffer, Shirley October, Gerry Gooding and Stan Brickwa also said their final farewells to us.
The recent tragedy involving five young women between the ages of 21 and 24 added to the already deep-rooted scars being experienced by the softball fraternity.
Jaimie Peters, Jenna Moses, Jessie Gordon and sisters, Angelique and Chante Cloete, died tragically in an accident on Thursday 30 December.
All players, with the exception of Gordon, played for the Kenfac Phillies Softball Club.
Gordon, with her twin sister Jade, played for the Crusaders Baseball Club and played netball for the Weltevreden Netball Club.
Carolyn Inglis, chair of both the Cape Town Softball Association and the Kenfac Phillies club, expressed her grief and encapsulated the pain being shared by all associated with the women.
“Through our grieving, we want to celebrate these women who fearlessly broke down barriers for women and girls around our communities. It’s easy to become lost and it’s difficult to imagine a world without them, but all these women played an important role in many lives. They all elevated family and friends in more than just one way. Each of them represents a different achievement. From inspiring younger generations these are just five of the many women who push us to be a better version of ourselves.”
Nazeem Dulvie, former coach of Jenna and Jaimie, expressed his condolences:
“I have been privileged to coach both ladies at provincial level as part of the Western Cape senior team. It has truly been an honour. Jenna and Jamie were not only talented, inspiring and gifted athletes, they were also the most charming, unassuming and happy youngsters that’s been through the HPC system. Their sunny disposition had a way of rubbing off on their teammates. The loss is there, tangible and real within everyone…but Jenna and Jamie exemplified life, love, laughter and an irrepressible belief and faith in seeing the best in everything…even loss.”
Meanwhile, the sport continues as softball teams of the Cape Town Softball Association are getting themselves geared up for the restart of their Back-2-Play season this coming weekend. The rivalry between Falcons and Lavender Hill will continue unabated in League 1. Both teams are unbeaten after sharing the spoils in their last encounter.
Fixtures:
Saturday 15 January (all games to take place at Turfhall Sports Complex):
League 1:
A field:15:30: Glenthorn A’s vs Falcons ‘A’
17:00: Tantasport ‘A’ vs Lavender Hill ‘A’
Khayelitsha Eagles – on BYE
League 2:
A field:
14:00 St Martins vs Falcons ‘B’
B field:
14:00: Heideveld Yankees vs Blackheath
15:30: Panthers vs Crusaders
17:00: Table View Tornados ‘A’ vs Belhar Dolphins
League 3:
C field:
14:00: Silvertree Titans vs Lavender Hill ‘B’
15:30: Strandfontein Mets vs Battswood
17:00:Westridge Yankees ‘A’ vs Kenfac Phillies
D field:
15:30: St. Augustines vs Normies
League 4:
D field:
14:00: Tableview Tornados ‘B’ vs Westridge Yankees ‘B’
17:00: Stealers vs Devonshire Rovers
E field:
15:30: Tantsport ‘B’ vs Khayelitsha Superstars
17:00: Kuils River Cougars ‘B’ vs Kuils River Cougars ‘A’
