Linda Moreotsene

Linda Moreotsene

Limpopo softball teams continue to be a force to be reckoned with, as shown by Wildbeasts at the Jets Spring Festival this weekend.

The Lebowakgomo team's men and women sides - both defending champions - won the tournament at the Mbolekwa diamond in Atteridgeville on Saturday. This was the third successive time Beasts won it.

Three years before that another team from the north, Giant Killers, had been the champions.

The Beasts' men's team won the final match against Botswana Defence Force 6-4.

"We are grateful for the support we receive from the Atteridgeville community every time we play here," Beasts' director Polelo Masola said. "The fact that the hosts, Jets, have never won it should not be an issue, because they are a very good team.

"This win will send a message through to our local league that we will be challenging for the championship, currently held by Mahwelereng Spikes, come the end of the season. Considering that we were busy rebuilding after the death of two of our players last year, we are in great shape."

Masola was also proud of the women's team who mauled Garankuwa Generals 8-4 in the final. Generals coach Trevor Mogale was impressed with the level of play and the support from the community, who came in their thousands to support the games.

"Well done to them [Beasts]. They had a good pitcher and a good catcher in Tebogo Thobakgale and Maripa Mashamaite. They were red-hot after the student games in Beijing," Mogale said.