Kenya and Cuba bring rhythm and spirit to the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup
At the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup Nayarit 2025 in Tepic, Mexico, the atmosphere has been electric both on and off the field. Among the many stories of skill, resilience, and determination, two teams - Kenya and Cuba - have stood out not only for their performances but also for their infectious love of dance.
Kenya: Dancing for Motivation and Unity
For Kenya, who are participating in a WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup for the first time, dance is more than just celebration; it is a ritual of motivation and togetherness. Led by captain Peter Mambo, the team often bursts into dance before and after games. “Those ones [the dances] bring the team up when they are down. They are just psyches to keep us happy and to keep us more motivated,” Peter explained.
The songs and chants they perform carry powerful messages of pride and resilience. Lyrics like “We are the falcons of Kenya, the kings of the sky and the pride of Africa. We are a force to be reckoned with. Stronger together, united in battle” embody the fighting spirit of the team. Even the word “Mapambano” - meaning struggle - reminds them of the battles they face both on and off the field.
For Kenya, dancing is also about identity. As delegation leader and Baseball Kenya President Titus Mutwiri explained, the young Kenya players only started playing Baseball5 three years ago. Their energy and resilience, showcased in dance as much as in play, symbolize the rapid rise of the sport in Kenya and the team’s determination to inspire the next generation.
Cuba: Dancing to Celebrate a Legacy
For Cuba, defending champions from the inaugural edition of the WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup in Türkiye two years ago, dance carries a different but equally powerful meaning. The Cuban players often dance to commemorate their past victories and to fuel their confidence in the present. After games, players like Adis Espinel lead dances that are both celebratory and symbolic.
“This dance is like a commemoration,” Espinel explained. Their choice of songs often reflects their journey, including the “champion song” they danced to on the first day of competition. “That song inspires us a lot… it brings us a lot of memories, and we came here for the crown,” she added.
For the Cuban team, dancing is a declaration: a way to relive their triumphs, remind themselves of their pedigree, and show their rivals that they remain the team to beat. It is confidence expressed through rhythm.
The Rhythm of Baseball5
Though their styles differ - Kenya’s dances rooted in motivation and team spirit, and Cuba’s in pride and championship heritage - both nations embody the unique energy that Baseball5 brings to the global stage. Fast-paced, dynamic, and filled with emotion, the sport seems perfectly matched to the passion of players who punctuate their performances with song and dance.
The sight of Kenya and Cuba dancing on the sidelines or on centre court has become a highlight of the tournament in Tepic. For fans, it’s more than entertainment; it’s a reminder that sport is as much about joy and culture as it is about competition.
Categories: Baseball5 , Youth Baseball5 World Cup
