The moment the SA U23 men’s wheelchair basketball team has been waiting for is finally here, as they will finally be living a dream that was once impossible when they head to Brazil for the 2025 World Championships this month.
Amawheelaboys, as the team is affectionately known, got a fitting send-off from their main sponsor, Sasol, at the Paterson Park Multipurpose Centre in Johannesburg on Friday.
The send-off also doubled as the squad announcement of the team that will not only represent South Africa, but the entire continent after winning the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation’s championship in February this year. They beat Libya 51-38 final.
Basketball Federation’s championship
Sasol brand and sponsorships manager Dean Somerset said their 18-year sponsorship of the wheelchair basketball is continuing to bear fruit from their labour.
“If you look at our partnership in the last 18 years with wheelchair basketball, we have completely changed the narrative. From it being a sport that is being played in isolation — to it being one that allows young people to travel the world at global championships.
“So, the aim has always been to expose them to other countries across the world. To also just broaden their horizon as individuals and athletes,” Somerset said.
The Sasol-sponsored Amawheelaboys will go to the World Champs under the tutelage of coach Simphamandla Gumbi. He will be assisted by Nichodemus Mmitlwe and Sizwe Lechesa. Claude Mulungwa is the team physiotherapist and Katlego Mogapi is the team manager.
Sponsor’s tribute
“It is a great honour and exciting moment for me to be guiding these boys to the World Championship in Brazil,” Gumbi said.
“I would like to send a special thanks to my assistant coaches, team manager, and physio for keeping the team fit and the parents for their patience and support they have shown to these boys. Because we are fulfilling their dreams as athletes.”
The team is set to jet off to Brazil on Monday, before their first game against the US on Thursday.
Amawheelaboys final squad:
Petros Mlife (Captain); Ezile Mcholwa (Vice captain); Sicelimpilo Sibisi; Lusanda Manqele; Kgotso Letsoalo; Ntando Nokama; Bongumenzi Biyela; Lukhanyo Dengu; Khanya Xundu
