"It's a big event, the first of this magnitude in Africa and, of course, the first in Tanzania," baseball and softball leaders in the country say.

Egypt @ Tanzania will open round robin play at 9.30 am. The top two teams will qualify to the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup later this year. Eleven officers of eight participating National Teams attended a two-day WBSC Workshop before the start of the tournament.

"High schools have a formidable pool of talent," commented the National Federation president Ibrahima Sibore after the finals. "That's why we must have this National Championship every year."

Zimbabwe baseball and softball leaders are working together to grow the game in the country.

The ultimate goal is to hold a national baseball tournament inspired by the world-famous Koshien. Former NPB and MLB superstar Hideki Matsui is a 'dream partner'.

The tournament opens on 23 May in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The continental championship will send the top two finishers to the inaugural WBSC Baseball5 World Cup.

The unprecedented tournament in Africa opens on 23 May and will send the top two finishers to the inaugural WBSC Baseball5 World Cup.

Equipment, including Baseball5 balls, will go to 15 different receivers, starting with the Lusaka OYDC Zambia sports development centre.

The cooperation sees Softball Kenya overseeing the adult Baseball5 National Team, while the Baseball Kenya is responsible for the Youth National Teams. The two baseball and softball leaders explained the reasoning behind this strategy.

ZBSA Vice President Andrew Zulu said Baseball 5 has the potential to become one of the most celebrated and played sports in the country.