Softball: Black Sox focus on future with new-look squad under first Māori coach

Thomas Makea rounds 2nd base in the 1st inning. Photo / Getty Images

After a selection training camp at the weekend, Thomas Makea has selected his first team as head coach of the New Zealand Black Sox.

“This team marks the first step in rebuilding the New Zealand Black Sox foundation, strengthening our future team’s depth, and igniting a renewed sense of pride in our softball legacy,” says Makea.

The Black Sox will compete at the WBSC Oceania regional qualifier in Pago Pago, American Samoa, on November 9-11, when they will play a series of matches against world champions Australia and hosts American Samoa.

Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea ki Rarotonga) has taken over the top job from Mark Sorenson, who stepped down after last year’s World Cup in Auckland. The seven-time world champions failed to reach the championship rounds of the tournament and finished eighth overall.

The 47-year-old is the first Māori coach of the Black Sox. He had a nearly 20-year playing career with the national side and was in four World Championship-winning teams.

Makea is excited about the challenge ahead and has named a squad that is balanced with experience and prospects for the future.

“I am proud of the strides the squad made over the weekend, and it gives me reassurance that we are all aligned and heading in the right direction,” he said.

“We have a nice balance of youth and experience. Liam Potts and Te Kirika Cooper-Nicola make the step up from the U23 programme and Adam Woon, Jayden Stratford, Callum Bishop and Zac Boyd will all make their international debuts.”

The squad also features six members of the 2022 World Cup campaign: Pita Rona, Te Wera Bishop, Cole Evans, Reilly Makea (Thomas’ son), Tane Mumu and Cameron Watts.

At the three-day qualifier in American Samoa, the Black Sox will contest six test matches as they start their campaign for 2025 World Cup qualification.