The Sasol Amawheelies delivered a dominant performance in the final against Egypt, thrilling the packed Mandeville Centre crowd with a commanding display of skill and teamwork. From the first whistle, the young South Africans controlled the game, outclassing their opponents to secure the IWBF Africa Championship title in emphatic fashion.
This victory capped off a flawless tournament run, where SA proved their dominance from the very start. They opened with a 47-34 victory over Egypt, followed by an identical win against Libya. Their momentum grew as they cruised past DR Congo 67-28 and demolished Liberia 103-11 in a one-sided encounter. A comprehensive 89-21 win over Kenya in their final group stage match, followed by a 68-24 victory in the semi-final, sealed their dominance in the championship – and they made it count, beating Libya 51-38.
The event concluded with a prestigious prize-giving ceremony, where our very own Ntando Nokoma was honoured as the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Sasol’s Dean Somerset, Manager: Brand and Sponsorship emphasised the significance of Sasol’s partnership with Wheelchair Basketball South Africa, saying:
“Our commitment to wheelchair basketball is about more than just supporting the sport; it’s about creating a platform for these incredible athletes to ‘Live the Impossible’ and showcase their talents on the global stage. The SA U23 team has done that, and we are beyond proud.”
We are immensely grateful to Sasol for their unwavering support over the years. Their commitment to wheelchair basketball has played a pivotal role in our journey, allowing us to compete at the highest level. We have also felt the incredible backing of the South African public, whose encouragement fuels our determination. As we head to Brazil, we carry the pride of our nation with us, and we hope to make South Africa proud on the international stage. Said Wheelchair Basketball South Africa High performance director, Gerry Smith.
Now, with the African title secured, South Africa will set their sights on the IWBF U23 World Championships in São Paulo, Brazil taking place in June, where they will represent the continent. Based on their outstanding performances, there’s no doubt that they will give it their all – and bring the title home. For more updates on the U23 team follow:
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