The African Para Games (where Paralympic spots are on the cards) were kickstarted by a promising win for Team South Africa thanks to our women’s wheelchair basketball squad!
Accra, Ghana (05 September 2023) — The African Para Games are on and 25 South African athletes are holding our flag high!
The African Para Games are a big determiner for the 2024 Paris Paralympics where several African countries are competing for placements: Algeria, Kenya Zambia Ghana, DR Congo, Morocco and South Africa. Despite Nigeria pulling out at the last minute due to a lack of government funding, the Games are beating on.
All South African eyes are on the courts—SA is representing two codes at this year’s Games in wheelchair tennis and basketball— where our female athletes have already secured a promising start.
On the opening day, Team South Africa women won their wheelchair basketball match with 64 – 6 against Zambia, kickstarting Mzansi’s presence in Ghana with full force.
As for tennis, South Africa is represented by the top two ranked wheelchair tennis athletes on the continent: Alwande Sikhosana (Number 1 in Africa) and Leon Els (Number 2).
“Both Alwande and Leon have been working tirelessly and are fully prepared for these Games. We do not underestimate the competition, despite our players being seeded in the top four. We are prepared to bring all our weapons onto the court. The significance of this event cannot be overstated, as the winner secures an automatic spot in the Paris Paralympics next year,” shared Patrick Selepe, Team SA coach and manager.
The wheelchair tennis action begins on Wednesday and the games continue until 12 September.
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