Southfield baseballer off to World Cup

Abdud Dayaan Osman, from Southfield, will represent South Africa at the Baseball World Cup in Mexico. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

A young baseball player from Southfield is gearing up to represent the national team at the Baseball World Cup in Mexico next month.

Abdud Dayaan Osman’s hard work on the pitch is finally paying off following his selection to the under-15 South Africa Baseball team.

The young green and gold flag bearers will represent the country at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Under-15 Baseball Tournament in Hermosillo, Mexico, from Friday August 26 to Sunday September 4.

The Grade-9 pupil at Plumstead High School started off his journey at the age of nine with top side, Crusaders Baseball Club, at the Rooikraans sports complex, before moving to Bothasig Baseball Club during the pandemic.

While at the Grassy Park-based outfit, Abdud, 15, received a call-up to the provincial B-side. His performance with the provincial team saw him earn a spot in the SA team that represented the country at the World Cup in Taiwan in 2019.

Known for producing some of the best talent in the country, his move to Bothasig helped Abdud to become a deadly baseball hitter and ball stopper.

“I’ve worked my way through to get to this journey. I started with under-10 tea-ball and told myself I need to work harder to play for the province. I went for trials and made the Cape Town team which is the B-team for the province. I told myself I need to play well in this tournament to get my national colours,” he said.

Abdud’s discipline has helped him to balance between school and baseball.

“I received my colours and went to represent South Africa in Taiwan in 2019. When Covid-19 came we didn’t train for about three years and I moved to Bothasig Baseball Club. I heard there were Western Cape trials again for 2022. I made the team and became the captain for the A-team,” he said.

Abdud said he feels overwhelmed about representing his community and the national team.

“We then went for training with the Elite squad. We trained for about six to eight weeks and after that we got the list of names for the SA team and my name popped up,” he said.

Abdud’s sister and manager, Sahra van der Westhuizen said they are proud of his achievement.

“My wish for him is to leave your heart on the field. You’ve worked extremely hard. We are super proud of you and we see all the hard work you’ve put in. Enjoy,” she said.

His father, Mogammat Ganief Osman said: “My best wishes for you boy in the World Cup and just try your best.”

The Osman family, as well as the family and friends of teammates, Jaden Du Preez and Yusri Pretorious are preparing two fundraising events to assist the the young baseballers ahead of the World Cup. They are each raising R35 000 for the trip.

They are hosting a high tea with entertainment and giveaways at the Athlone A’s baseball field, next to Vangate Mall, on Sunday 31 July.

The following week, they are hosting a cooler box old school party, at 8th Avenue Rooikrans Hall, in Grassy Park, at 5pm, on Monday August 8.

Tickets are R100 for each event. For more information, contact Layla on 0739024437 or Sahra at 0781542257.

Bothasig Baseball Club’s top catcher, Adbud Dayaan Osman preparing for the under-15 Baseball World Cup. Picture: Lonwabo Marele
Plumstead high pupil, Abdud Osman is raising funds to attend the Baseball World Cup in Mexico next month. Picture: Lonwabo Marele
Baseballer, Abdud Dayaan Osman, with his father, Mogammat Ganief Osman, sister Sahra Van Der Westhuizen and brother Alex Van Der Westhuizen, ahead of his upcoming journey with the national under-15 baseball side. Osman is gearing up for the Baseball World Cup in Mexico next month. Picture: Lonwabo Marele