Languages: 
Despite facing traumatic life events that led to losing one arm, Ibongwe Mtshengu, a Walter Sisulu University softballer, persevered and earned a spot to play for Team South Africa Softball under-23.
The 21-year-old Bachelor of Social Sciences second-year student was elected after he showed remarkable competitiveness at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) games held in Pretoria, in December 2023.
“Our first game was with Varsity College and most of their students were white. It was my first-time playing softball against white people and it motivated me to showcase my skills because I know the sports code originated from them. As much as it was not an easy game, we managed to win it as a team,” said Mtshengu.
Mtshengu added that on their second game against Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), they were leading most of the game, but ended up losing by 13:14 to TUT.
“We then played and lost against Vaal University of Technology then played against the University of Fort Hare and won, which secured us a spot in the Semi-Finals. Unfortunately, that’s where the road ended for us, but we at least secured the 3rd place in the USSAs.
In the USSA awards where WSU was crowned number three, Mtshengu was also awarded a 2023 Chairman’s award for showcasing an outstanding performance and being the best player in the USSA games and was nominated to play for Team South Africa Softball under-23.
“I have never imagined myself playing on international stages. This is big for me. I am grateful that my sister and my father introduced me to softball and continued to teach me to play even after my accident,” said Mtshengu.
Mtshengu has also been selected to be part of the best university softball students to represent USSA in the National Provincial Championships.
“I grew up in a family of softballers, my father whom I got to know after my accident at the age of 11 years was a softball coach in his school. I have been playing softball with one arm since the early age and I have gotten comfortable playing with people with both arms,” said Mtshengu.
Mtshengu is proud and ready to represent Team WSU and his hometown, Flagstaff on international stages.
By Anita Roji
