Ghana Baseball5 Team Receives Hero’s Welcome After Championship Triumph
The Ghana Baseball5 team, affectionately known as the Golden Palms, was given a rousing reception at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, after successfully defending their title at the WBSC Africa Youth Baseball5 Championships held in South Africa.
The team’s remarkable performance secured them a spot at the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup 2025, scheduled for November in Mexico. Ghana, ranked World No. 13, will join World No. 15 Kenya in the global tournament, which will also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics.
The WBSC Africa Youth Baseball5 Championships took place at the Western Cape Sports School in Cape Town, South Africa, from January 8 to 12, 2025.
Ghana showcased their dominance by defeating hosts South Africa with commanding scores of 9:4 and 7:3 to reach the finals. They capped off their campaign by defeating Kenya 5:5 and 8:5 to retain their title as African champions.
Upon their return, the team was greeted by Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) President Ben Nunoo Mensah, who lauded their efforts and promised further support.
“When you go out there to represent Ghana, and you kill yourself and give us your best to Mother Ghana, there’s always a reward for you,” Nunoo Mensah said. “For the rest of the team, I’m going to discuss with the GOC board, and I’m sure we’ll also find something very good for you because what you have done means a lot to Mother Ghana. It is the beginning of good things to happen to Ghana in 2025.”
Head Coach Daniel Yaw Atiemo expressed his pride in the team’s performance, commending their passion and commitment.
“I’m so proud of them because nobody promised them that when you come, we are giving you this. But they played with their passion,” Atiemo stated.
“Right now, we need support so that we can prepare well for this World Cup. If we get financial support, that’s how we can prepare well for this tournament and get ahead of what others are also doing.”