Pictured, from left, are Jill Levenberg as MC, Johanna Stuurman, Kenfac Fillies Softball Club founder, Carolyn Inglis, Jacqualine Solomons and Ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg. Picture: Mark Ward
Several luminaries including Suidooster actor Jill Levenberg and musician Leslie Kleinsmith were among the guests who attended the 21st anniversary celebrations of the Kensington-based Kenfac Fillies softball club.
Carolyn Inglis, founder of the club along with Jacqualine Solomons and Johanna Stuurman, were also honoured with lifetime achievement awards.
The club was founded in 2003 by Inglis when the sport was showing signs of dying in the community where sports such as baseball, softball and football once flourished.
“We started the club in collaboration with the Kenfac Phillies Baseball Club with two senior teams competing in the lowest league in the Cape Town Softball Association. I recall fondly our first match was against the Heideveld Yankees, a challenging start that set the tone for the club's growth and determination,” said Inglis.
The club went onto achieve success in different divisions, including league and knock-out championships while several players have risen to prominence, excelling at both provincial and national levels.
She said one of the club’s primary objectives from the outset was to within a decade compete in the highest division of the Cape Town Softball Association (CTSA) and by 2015, the club achieved this objective when they won promotion to the Super League.
“As we celebrate, we must reflect on our journey with immense gratitude for the unwavering love, support, trust, and friendships that have been the pillars of our success. The club stands as a testament to the power of community, dedication, and the enduring spirit of teamwork,” she said.