Shadrack Moepeng in charge for Morocco

National team head coach Franck Belen will monitor playing patterns from the grandstand.

Belen, a firm believer in using younger players as part of his rebuilding plan in time for next year’s Paralympic qualifying matches, viewed the move as part of the development programme.

“It’s easy to call up new players and talk about development but how else will Moepeng develop as a coach if he doesn’t get the opportunities?” said Frenchman Belen.

“The assistant coach and I will handle team planning sessions and practices, but I will sit in the stand during matches and analyse the games and give Moepeng advice, when needed.

“The development aspect is all part of a four-year plan which the Wheelchair Basketball SA board adopted upon my appointment in 2013.”

Moepeng, who hails from Orkney, near Klerksdorp, and works as an Emergency Care Practitioner Ambulance dispatcher for the Department of Health in the mining industry, expressed his excitement at being in charge of the national team on match days in Morocco.

“Being in a wheelchair myself, this is indeed a great honour to be the decision-maker on the bench on match days for the team and I am really looking forward to it,” said Moepeng.

“I hope I can inspire other people with disabilities that much can be achieved through commitment and passion for tasks.”

He said the senior men’s team has changed extensively after the more experienced players retired after the 2012 London Paralympics.

“So we are busy with a re-building phase with the aim of giving as many of our squad members as much match action as possible.”

Wheelchair Basketball SA had a number of training camps this year which were used as trials and to analyse as many players as possible.

“Now we are down to around 20 players from which the 12-player travelling party to play in the international tournament in Morocco, will be chosen.”

– Sapa