S.A. trials in softball

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34012, 28 November 1975, Page 24

S.A. trials in softball

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. S.outh Africa has held trials to select a team to play in the world softball championships at Lower Hutt next year.

Mr Jan Crafford. president of the all-white South African Softball Association, confirmed by telephone from Pretoria "yesterday that 50 players had taken part in trials last Saturday.

Although the South African Government would not allow mixed trials, Mr Crafford said, it was possible that black players could be included in the team should his country be allowed to participate in the world championships at Lower Hutt from January 31 to February 8.

“There are several different black associations, catering for about 500 players in total, all of whom are men,” said Mr Crafford. “We are negotiating with these associations at present with a view to our selectors’ Looking at the top black players and considering them for inclusion in the team for the world championships.”

Mr Crafford said there would be no interference by the South African Government if blacks were to be selected. “Under our Government’s sports policy there is nothing to stop us bringing a mixed team to New Zealand. There is a distinction between a world championships and ordinary international competition?’ i