South Africa’s wheelchair basketball team advanced to the semi-finals of the IWBF Africa Championships, keeping their hopes alive for a spot at the World Championship.
Angola (02 April 2026) – South Africa’s national wheelchair basketball team, the Sasol AmaWheela Boys, are making their mark on the continental stage after securing a place in the semi-finals of the IWBF Africa Championships in Angola. Guided by head coach Siphamandla Gumbi, the team delivered a commanding 58–46 victory over the host nation.
Reflecting on the overall experience, Gumbi highlighted both the competitive and organisational aspects of the tournament.
“On the court, I’ve had nothing but compliments from teams,” he said. “Off the court, there have been logistical concerns as experienced in any competition of this magnitude, but nothing that could not be overcome, and the Angolan LOC must be complimented on hosting.”
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The significance of the tournament is not lost on the team. Serving as the African qualifiers for the Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, the stakes are incredibly high.
“The country that wins this tournament is the representative of Africa at the World Championship, therefore it is an absolute privilege and honour for South Africa.”
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South Africa’s journey has not been without its challenges. In their win over Angola, the team was forced to adapt quickly after losing two players to disqualification fouls. The level of competition has also tested the squad, with powerhouse nations such as Morocco, Algeria and Senegal all in contention. Gumbi acknowledged the balance across the tournament, saying there have been strong and weak teams participating, while pointing out that both the men’s and women’s competitions have produced tightly contested matches.
South Africa’s women’s team has also impressed, currently sitting second in their pool behind Algeria. Gumbi highlighted some of the standout moments so far.
“The South African women’s game against Algeria and the men’s Algerian-Senegalese game… both games went down to the wire with Algeria winning in both men’s and women’s pools.”
Attention now turns to the semi-finals, where South Africa will face an unbeaten Algerian side. Beyond the results, Gumbi emphasised the importance of continued support and visibility for disability sport.
“Very important for all disability sports, not only wheelchair basketball. Without them, we would never have reached the exposure and visibility that have elevated the sport in South Africa and across the continent.”
For the AmaWheela Boys and Girls, success in Angola would mean more than continental glory.
“The Sasol AmaWheela Boys and Girls would be crowned champions of Africa and be Africa’s representatives at the World Games,” Gumbi said. “This not only provides the sport with more marketing opportunities but elevates South Africa as the dominant force in wheelchair basketball across Africa.”
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