As the V WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup enters its second stage, Representative Mr. Seraki Matsebe of the Liaison Office of South Africa in Taipei traveled to Tainan to watch the games and cheer on the South African team competing in the ranking tournament.
The excited crowd cheering on the young players included families and friends of the athletes, South African expats in Taiwan, and the teachers and students of the team's hosting school, Wunyuan Elementary School. Representative Matsebe thanked Wunyuan Elementary School for their support and hospitality so that the South African athletes can experience Taiwan's culture and friendliness both on and off the fields.
In this match, South Africa played against three-time champion US, eventually losing 18:0. Yet after the game, the South African team danced along to music on the field, showing the playful nature of South Africans and sharing their joy with everyone at the stadium. Representative Matsebe later met with the team and encouraged the athletes to continue to work hard. He praised them as the heroes of South Africa. Matsebe also comforted young player Barrett, who was hit by pitch by an American pitcher. Barrett is the son of South African team coach Colin Barrett.
South Africa did not make it into the semi-finals this year, but the young athletes showed great sportsmanship on the field that impressed the Taiwanese crowd and earned everyone’s respect. Pitcher Damia Le Roux immediately took off his cap and apologized after accidentally hitting a player with a pitch. Aqeel Joseph apologized to a ground crew member after the game because Joseph almost hit him with the bat during base on balls.
Representative Matsebe remarked that this is his fifth visit to Tainan. Tainan is a very charming city and many South Africans are attracted to the location and eventually settle here. This year Tainan also organized a South African cultural event to let more Taiwanese people learn about South African culture.