Day two of the IWBF Africa World Championship Qualifiers currently underway in Tongaat, north of Durban provided a mixed bag for South Africa as the ladies’ national team clinched a crucial victory against Zimbabwe, while their male counterparts suffered a second successive defeat this time to Egypt.
The senior national women’s team, also known as the “Amawheelagirls” imposed their physical and direct style on play on the hapless Zimbabweans and raced to a commanding 21-2 lead at half time. They showed no signs of letting up in the second half as they maintained the tempo to open their account at the tournament with a resounding 46-9 victory over our northern neighbours.
The “Amawheelaboys” were not so lucky in their tough fixture against the Egyptians. Having lost their opening game on day one of the tournament, the South African’s were looking to bounce back in style and put themselves in contention for a World Championship berth but alas, it was not to be despite a gallant and valiant effort.
Despite the improved showing, the “Amawheelaboys” could not get the much-needed win as they suffered a 70-35 loss and now need to win all their remaining matches if they are to realise their dream of appearing on the world stage.
The Sasol sponsored national teams are looking to clinch berths at the 2018 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship in Germany. The qualifying tournament is being held at the Tongaat Sports Centre and will conclude on Friday, 24 November 2017.
Both national teams will be back in action on Monday when the men’s team goes up against Kenya in a must win encounter at 9am, while the ladies will square up against Algeria at 7pm at the same venue.
The IWBF Africa World Championship Qualifiers 2017 serve as a qualifier for the 2018 World Championships which will be held in Hamburg, Germany and teams are battling it to be Africa’s sole representatives at the global showpiece event.
South Africa’s Senior National men’s team are competing in a pool that includes Morocco, Angola, Kenya, Algeria, Zimbabwe and Egypt; while the women’s pool comprises South Africa, Algeria, Morocco and Zimbabwe.
