Wheelchair Basketball South Africa unveils its U23 Wheelchair Basketball Men Squad

Wheelchair Basketball South Africa (WBSA) is thrilled to announce the inspiring lineup of the Sasol U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team. With Sasol’s steadfast commitment to supporting wheelchair basketball, this squad is poised to embark on a journey filled with passion, perseverance, that will showcase true sportsmanship in their upcoming matches.

These athletes bring localised narratives to the forefront, showcasing that talents are found across the country. 

Under the expert guidance of the team’s esteemed coaching staff, head coach Trooper Johnson and his two assistant coaches, Siphamandla Gumbi and Sizwe Lechesa, this team is ready to represent South Africa with pride. “The South African U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team, also known as the Sasol AmawheelaBoys, is ready to reach greater heights, epitomising the true essence of athleticism and inspiring athletes and South Africans to Live the impossible “said Coach Trooper.

‘We are excited about the new team and the emergence of young and new talent which bear testimony to the healthy state of wheelchair basketball talent in South Africa. We invite all South Africans to support this team as it embarks on a journey driven by shared passion for the game and their country. As the nation rally behind this team, our effort further fuels their dreams and help them to reach what may be considered the impossible” said Sasol Manager: Sponsorship and Brand, Dean Somerset.

The 2025 IWBF Africa U23 Men World Championship Qualifiers to be held in Cairo, from 20-30 January 2025, will be the perfect stage for our young AmawheelaBoys to showcase their abilities, as they take on 8 other countries for the right to represent Africa at the 2025 IWBF U23 Men World Championships later in the year. This African qualifier promises to be the biggest tournament yet for the U23 age group, with 8 countries set to take part. It will not be any easy passage for the youngsters and they will need to be at their very best to qualify. We are confident that Coach Trooper Johnson will have the boys ready come late January” said Gerry Smith, Director of High Performance at WBSA.

Meet the Squad:

Forwards

  • Andile “Deli” Brewer
  • Lukhanyo “Young Blood” Dengu
  • Ntando Nokama

 Scoring Guards

  • Molemo “Moli” Mphomela

Point Guards

  • Ezile Mcholwa
  • Petros “Mbappe” Mlife
  • Lusanda “Small” Manqele

Centre

  • Bongumenzi “Menzi” Biyela

Other positions

  • Nhlanhla Gwamanda
  • Scelimpilo “Stylo” Sibisi
  • Ntlantla “Nhleks” Mabongo
  • Sthembiso “Sthe” Nkosi
  • Khanya “Msholozi” Xundu

Coaching Staff

  • Head Coach: Trooper Johnson
  • Assistant Coach 1: Siphamandla Gumbi
  • Assistant Coach 2: Sizwe Lechesa
  • Assistant Coach 3: Martin Hoffman (Stats)
  • Assistant Coach 4: Nichodemus Mmitwe

Team Management

  • Team Manager 1: Katlego Mogapi
  • Team Manager 2: Ashleigh Stellenberg

Teams to take part in Egypt: South Africa, DR Congo, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Algeria, and Libya