HAVANA, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Cuban former Leader Fidel Castro said that the team to represent Cuba in the 2nd Baseball Classic World Cup is stronger and better trained than the one three years ago, local website "Cuba debate" reported on Tuesday.

    Castro said in an article published on Tuesday by "Cuba debate" that their players were top-notch youngsters and he was confident that they would win.

    Cuba will play against South Africa on March 8 in Foro Sol stadium in Mexico City.

    Cuban baseball national team, finalist of the 1st Classic World Cup 2006, is among the best 16 teams to compete in the 2nd edition to be played from March 5 to 23 in four different cities in the world in the first round, and two cities in the United States in the second one.

    The semifinals and finals will be held in Dodgers stadium in Los Angeles, California.