Baseball: Uganda U-15 girls clinch series win over South Africa

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Uganda’s under-15 girls’ baseball team delivered an impressive performance to defeat South Africa 5–1 overall in an international friendly series held at the Uganda–Japan Friendship National Stadium in Gayaza.

The seven-game series, played over four days, included one shortened match that was discontinued due to sporting irregularities, according to the organisers.

Uganda began brightly, registering an 8–4 victory in the opening game before South Africa responded with a narrow 6–5 win later the same day.

Uganda’s under-15 girls’ baseball team delivered an impressive performance to defeat South Africa 5–1 overall in an international friendly series. (Courtesy photo)

The hosts were more assertive on the second day, recording a dominant 18–4 win in the only game played. Uganda sustained that momentum on the third day, claiming convincing 12–7 and 12–1 victories in two encounters.

The series climaxed on Saturday (January 10), with Uganda sealing a 7–4 win to confirm overall supremacy. Despite Uganda’s success, South Africa’s youngest player, Ziah Baartman, was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Uganda were crowned champions and received the trophy and gold medals, while South Africa finished with silver.

Team captain Sandra Nabukenya praised her teammates for combining respect with competitiveness.

“They have always beaten Ugandan teams in softball, but as juniors, we have shown supremacy in baseball. We hope to remain strong and put up an even better performance in the return leg in South Africa,” noted Nabukenya.

Head coach Jimmy Ssekandi attributed Uganda’s success to speed and teamwork.

“Our tactics in base running and playing as a unit made the difference. We understand each other well and constantly discuss areas for improvement with the players,” said Ssekandi.

“This is a good beginning with the under-15 team, which we hope to develop into the under-18 and senior levels. We are also preparing to remain strong for the return games against South Africa later in the year.”

Ssekandi commended Baseball at Heart for its contribution to promoting women’s baseball and softball, as well as the Uganda Baseball and Softball Association, the sport’s governing body in the country.

UBASA chairman John Bosco Ssempa thanked South Africa for travelling to Uganda for the friendly series.

“Our relationship with South Africa is long-standing. We must grow together in women’s baseball, which is still developing in Africa. We look forward to bigger competitions that will help us qualify for the Women’s Baseball World Cup,” said Ssempa.

He also acknowledged the church that provided land for the stadium, where the Japanese government supported construction through funding.

Uganda’s under-15 girls’ baseball team delivered an impressive performance to defeat South Africa 5–1 overall in an international friendly series. (Courtesy photo)

South African head coach and head of women’s baseball at the South Africa Baseball Union, Helley Scott-Maree, praised Uganda for providing strong competition.

“We now know where we stand with our Under-15 team. We have a strong senior women’s side and intend to compete in the World Cup qualifiers. Women’s baseball has existed for some time globally, but is only beginning to take shape in Africa. The women had stuck in softball mainly,” she noted.

Chief guest Kasangati mayor Tom Muwonge applauded UBASA for successfully hosting the visitors.

“Beyond winning, Uganda benefited in other aspects such as game organisation, because South Africa is a giant in the sport. We need government support to invest in other disciplines often labelled as ‘minor’ sports. The team should remain in shape as there is a return leg,” said Muwonge.

Muwonge, alongside veteran baseball player Richard Nsereko, handed over the accolades to the winning teams.