Auckland club has strong Gisborne links

DOWN THE BARREL: Katene Huriwai made a strong impression on selectors while playing in Counties Manakau’s premier division last season, earning a spot in the New Zealand U18 squad at 16-years-old.Picture supplied

An Auckland-based softball club with Gisborne roots has established itself as a powerhouse less than 10 years after forming.

The Southern Pioneers club, incorporated just four years ago, dominated last season's competition in Counties Manukau, winning the women's grade and men's reserve grade and finishing runners-up in the premier and under-15 boys' grades.

One of the club's core tenets is whanaungatanga (close connection between people), which they credit for creating the strong team morale that has helped them make a name for themselves on the local softball scene.

One of those leading the charge is 16-year-old catcher Katene Huriwai, who has strong family ties to Gisborne.

“It's my family club,” he said.

“My grandfather (John Huriwai) started it and it's always been targeted at bringing the youth up,” he said.

Having played u17, u19 and premier grades last season, Huriwai was also named in the u18 Black Sox squad as part of the young contingent selectors wanted to bring up together with the goal of winning the u18 World Cup in 2023.

While it was unusual for someone so young to be playing in the premier grade, Huriwai said he earned his spot through hard work and ambition.

Although he did not “stand out as much” in the premier grades, he said the added experience was invaluable to him as one of the youngest players on the diamond.

“All my life I've been playing with older people, with my brothers and cousins,” he said.

“I always look forward to getting better and soaking up everything from them.

“If you've got the goods, then your age doesn't really matter.”

He said catching stood out as a position because he enjoyed being a leader on the diamond, captaining his age-grade sides.

“You have control (of what's pitched) and it feels like the game is in your hands.”

Having turned down opportunities to play baseball to focus on his softball, Huriwai's ambition is to play for New Zealand.

“It's always been a dream since I was a kid to wear the fern and represent my country and my family.”

His life revolves around softball, and he tries to incorporate the game into his everyday duties at every opportunity.

“I'm doing an ATC (Active Training Core) military prep course. It's good because they do a lot of fitness so it goes hand in hand with softball.”

Huriwai showed his humility and club spirit when asked what his aspirations were outside of earning national honours.

“Hopefully just to give back to the club,” he said.

“Whatever I learn on my journey I want to give back and bring more young people up.

“Counties is like the little brother of Auckland Central and I want to create a path for others and young ones to follow.”