Limpopo softball star says medical support for injuries ends after tournaments

Limpopo-born softball player Maphuti Hlako, 18, is set to represent South Africa at an international tournament in Botswana, but the excitement is overshadowed by concerns about medical and mental health support. Hlako, who plays for Senwabarwana's Seshego Cannons, says she relies heavily on her mother, siblings, coaches, and friends for support, as ongoing medical and mental health resources are scarce outside of tournaments.

She had to raise R5,000 for her trip to the World Baseball Softball Confederation regional tournament, which will take place in Gaborone from August 20 to 22. Hlako's main support comes from her mother, who is a single parent, and her close circle of family, friends, and coaches. The athlete notes that access to medical professionals and mental health resources is limited, with first-aid kits only available during training sessions and no immediate access to physiotherapy or sports psychologists after tournaments.

Her coach, Jankies Seakamela, expresses concern about the mental pressure Hlako and other players might face during the international competition, as they struggle to cope with the added stress and financial burden of securing funding for the trip. Team manager Mokgadi Moswatsi explains that while the national team typically travels with a physiotherapist and sports psychologist, athletes are expected to manage their own injuries post-tournament due to insufficient funding.

Sports psychologist Boitumelo Mamaine warns that mental health resources in South African sport often focus on better-funded sports, leaving athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds struggling with additional pressures such as financial and shelter concerns.