JOHANNESBURG – Major League baseball is one of the most sought-after leagues in American sport.

But in South Africa, baseball is plagued by a lack of funding.

Despite the challenges, the SA Baseball Union will be sending a under-18 national team to compete at the Baseball World Cup in Japan next month.

While financial support is a major issue, the union&39;s management and players&39; families made a plan to ensure the youngsters get to compete at the Japan World Cup.

"This trip will… fulfil a lot of dreams these guys have. A lot of them have aspirations of playing professional baseball or playing college ball over in America," said Dean McKinon, the SA under-18 coach.

South Africa is ranked 29th in the world – the lowest ranked nation in the tournament – and our team have been drawn to play against Cuba (ranked third) and Taiwan&39;s national junior side, Chinese Taipei (four).

But given the fighting spirit South Africans are known for, these youngsters are determined to show the rest of the world this country can produce world-class baseball talent.

"We are only the lowest-ranked team because we don&39;t play enough international baseball. So I&39;m not really worried," said Tyrone Milne, the catcher for the SA under-18 team.

Part of their arsenal is Victor Ngoepe, the younger brother of Gift, one of South Africa&39;s rare success stories in US baseball.

"From his experience that side (in the US) he … tries to help me with my game. So people are gonna think I&39;m up to his level every time," explained Victor, the under-18 short-stopper.

Though the tournament takes place in Japan, the team will have fans in the stadium.

"Some of our parents are flying over, so it&39;s actually going to be nice of them to come with us, have home support," said Tyrone.

The under-18 national baseball team will be flying out of the country on August 25. – Kate Nokwe











