Stern test for SA Women’s U25 Wheelchair Basketball team

The SA Women’s U25 Wheelchair Basketball team left South African shores for Thailand to participate in the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Women’s Basketball Championships.

This will be the first time that the team will participate in a major tournament which takes place in Suphanburi from 23 to 28 May and will see the SA women take on the world’s best. The event is held every four years and made its debut in 2011 in St Catharines, Canada.

The South Africans have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Thailand, Japan and tournament favourites Great Britain in what will be a stern test for the team. Group B will be made up of Germany, USA, Turkey and Australia in what is a stellar line-up of some of the world’s top teams.

Despite the challenge that awaits the team, head coach Ntombizile Mthombeni is optimistic about their chances in the tournament. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to benchmark ourselves against some of the best teams in the world,” said Mthombeni.

“We have a young team that will be participating in a tournament of this magnitude for the first time. We have to go there and give it our best, it’s a great platform for us to develop as a team. I have to thank Wheelchair Basketball South Africa and Sasol for their support of this team, their backing will definitely help open doors for many young girls living with a disability.”

Nozipho Mbatha, Sasol’s group brand marketing manager wished the team well in the games. “We want to play our part in extending opportunities for people living with a disability.

“We’re aiming to help make a difference in people’s lives through something we all love – sport. We wish the ladies all the best and hope this is the start of a fruitful season for the team,” Mbatha said.

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