CATHERINE CHITANI'S INSPIRATIONAL RISE IN BASEBALL5.

Mweni Chola

@Mweni Chola

9:02 AM • September 12, 2023

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Catherine Chitani, a rising sports talent, has journeyed from a childhood fascination with netball to becoming the Vice Captain of Zambia's inaugural Baseball5 (U18) National Team. Born on December 28, 2006, in Namwala district, Southern Province, Catherine is the third of five siblings. Her sporting odyssey began at Shimayoba Primary School, where her physical education teacher introduced her to netball in the sixth grade, igniting her passion for sports. Fast forward to 2023, and Catherine, now 17 years old and studying in Grade Eleven at Batoka Secondary School in Choma District, is making history. She represented Zambia at the 2023 Baseball5 U18 African Youth Championships in Ghana, marking her debut on the international stage. The tournament paved the way for Catherine's participation in the upcoming World Cup in Turkey, a journey she could never have foreseen in her earlier school years. The path to forming Zambia's national Baseball5 team was paved through local talent identification tournaments, introduced by the Zambia Baseball & Softball Association (ZBSA) in collaboration with the Development of National Sports System (DNSS) project at Batoka Secondary School. Curious and enthusiastic, Catherine joined the newly introduced sport, determined to make the final U18 national team. Her journey involved intense dedication, including participation in inter-school competitions and representing her province at the national championships in Lusaka, where they trained for two weeks at OYDC. The hard work paid off as the team secured a bronze medal in their first international competition, an achievement that thrilled their national head coach, Kunda Mwila. Catherine emerged as a model team leader, known for her strong leadership skills, fostering camaraderie among her teammates. Despite the challenges of balancing academics and sports, Catherine persevered. She recounted missing nearly a month of school earlier in the year due to her participation in the Ghana qualifiers. There were moments when she contemplated quitting, but with her coach's guidance and unwavering determination, she pressed on. Catherine attributes her success to the unwavering support of her community, school, and family. Her school's assistance in catching up on missed schoolwork has been invaluable. Inspired by Ken Matishi, a seasoned baseball player and the General Secretary of the Zambia Baseball and Softball Association, Catherine aspires to become Zambia's best player and make a mark in the sport. She draws inspiration from international football stars like Kylian Mbappe and Ronaldo, as well as her own General Secretary, who motivates her in the world of baseball. Catherine's vision extends beyond personal success; she wants to see Baseball5 expand across Zambia, inspiring other young individuals to take up the sport. Currently, the sport is offered in five provinces, but she dreams of a broader reach, leaving a legacy that enriches the nation's sporting landscape.

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