Head coaches and captains of the participating teams attended today the pre-tournament press conference of WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group B, hosted this morning at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Canada. All six head coaches expressed their enthusiasm for being in Prince Albert and their willingness to compete in the most important men's softball event in the world.
"This is my fifth World Cup as a head coach, and this year we have a good mix of veterans and first-time players. Our goal in the end is to be playing the final game on Sunday," stated John Stuart, Canada's head coach.
With Canada already qualified for the Finals 2025 as host team, Stuart made clear that they are not looking ahead to next year. "We don't want our players to think this is a tryout for next year, so we want everyone's focus on this event," he said.
New Zealand are looking to bounce back from a tough 2022 World Cup as the host team. "The key for me is going back to our foundation and keep looking to our future. We've had some great times, but now we are where we are, and that's ok," said Thomas Makea, New Zealand head coach. "All I can say is the future is bright for New Zealand. So looking forward to a challenging week, and to putting our best effort in on the field."
Argentina arrive to the tournament as the top-ranked programme in the world. However, this represents no pressure for them, but something to enjoy as a team said Argentina head coach Jose Guerrinieri. "We're very excited to be here. I've been a pitching coach for a long time, and this is my first time in a World Cup as a head coach. So for me it's an exciting tournament," Guerrinieri added. "I'm really proud to represent my country and we're here to compete against all these good teams."
Israel is a fast growing softball country with much progress in the last few years. "When I joined the programme, we didn't have any youth program or anything like that," said Corey Vyner, head coach of the Israel National Team. "Last year, we went to Argentina and participated in the U-23 World Cup, and now we are here. So the bottom line is, if you dream something, sometimes it comes true. We know who we are, we're here to capture the fourth place and then, in the Play-Offs, you never know. We're here to have fun."
Singapore will also be aiming to grab one of the top-four spots in the Opening Round. "Being in Group B, with three World Champions, is very challenging but we aim to be in the Play-Offs, and then take it game by game and try to get a ticket to the Finals," said head coach Ruoh Koh. "I believe the strength of Singapore team would be youth. Some players participated in 2014 in Whitehorse in the Junior World Cup, and now they are back in Canada hoping to show what they have gained over the years."
The lowest ranked team in the group is Hong Kong, China. Head coach Jacob Pang said it was very challenging to prepare his team. "We received a wild card for the tournament, so we're very excited to be here, facing some of the best teams in the world," he mentioned. "We had only one month to put together the team, so we did our best and we hope we can show our best game this week."
Prince Albert Mayor, Greg Dionne, was in attendance to welcome all the teams and fans to the city. "I always finish my speeches the same way," he said. "You have to remember: You cannot spell paradise without PA."
