Benoni baseball coach set for world cup in Mexico

Coach Gareth Long says every training session, long journey and sacrifice has been building towards one unforgettable moment – standing on the diamond with his hand over his heart as Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika echoes around the stadium,reports Benoni City Times. The Benoni Northerns Indians Baseball Club coach will live that moment again when he joins head coach Paul van der Merwe’s management team at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U15 Baseball World Cup in Mérida, Mexico, from September 25 to October 4. Long, one of three assistant coaches in the national setup, said representing South Africa on the world stage is a privilege that never loses its magic.

“I don’t think there are words that can describe that feeling,” he said. “When your name is called out and you walk onto the field before turning to sing the national anthem, you get goosebumps. You’re not only representing yourself or your team, but you’re also representing every South African supporting us back home.

It’s an incredible experience.” Long has been part of the squad’s journey since the African qualifiers in Kenya, where South Africa secured an unbeaten campaign to book their place at the global showpiece. Since then, the squad has been strengthened with standout performers from the national championships and has continued to prepare relentlessly for the challenge ahead. “The boys train twice a week.

[paywall]

We have field sessions on Tuesdays and gym sessions on Fridays, where we focus on explosive power and core strength, and they’re also playing together on a Major B League team that’s still unbeaten. The commitment they’ve shown has been outstanding.” Having coached many of the Gauteng-based players since they were U10s, Long has enjoyed watching them develop into national representatives. “It makes me proud because I’ve seen many of these boys grow up. They’re putting in the work and they deserve this opportunity.” South Africa faces a daunting pool featuring baseball giants Japan, but Long believes discipline and teamwork can help the team punch above its weight.

[/paywall]