Kopano Monaheng
South African U-23 Men’s Wheelchair basketball coach, Siphamandla Gumbi, said he owes the Department of Education a debt of gratitude for all the support they’ve given him.
Proud as he is, Gumbi along with his AmaWheelies team will on Monday 9 June travel to São Paulo Brazil for their 2025 IWBF World Championship.
“We wouldn’t be here talking about traveling to Brazil and the World Championship if it wasn’t because of the boys’ parents and the Department of Education,” said Gumbi at the official announcing of the squad that would participate in the IWBF World Championship in Brazil.
The announcement was made in Klipfontein, Joburg on Friday.
The team had a two weeks camp in preparation for the world championship.
“Some of our players are busy writing their midyear exams but look where they’re right now. Some athletes would come train in the morning and others in the afternoon because of the exams,” he said.
“For that said a lot to me as a coach to say that I have a dedicated, a very strong spirited players and we will give everything that we can in order to make sure that this dream is fulfilled,” concluded a Shallcross tactician who was born and raised in Umlazi KZN.
AmaWheelies captain Petros Mlife who was also excited about flying to Brazil for the World Championship, said it has been their dream to take part in the tournament since day one.
“It’s a dream come true for us and we knew that if we win our games chances of playing in the global stage were very high,” said Mlife whose first match of the tournament is against United State of America on June 12.
Sasol is a main sponsor for the Wheelchair Basketball South Africa since 2007 and results are there for all to see.
Dean Somerset, manager for group brand and sponsorship at Sasol, said the global tournament takes place from 12–20 June 2025, and they wish the boys do well in the competition and make South Africa proud after a stellar performance at the IWBF U23 Africa Regional Championship held earlier this year.
The AmaWheelies successfully defended their continental title, triumphing over formidable opponents such as Egypt, Liberia, Libya, and Kenya to secure their spot as Africa’s sole representatives at the world championship.
“This is more than just a sporting moment; it’s a celebration of talent, determination, and the belief that with the right support, we can all Live the Impossible. “ added Dean.
The team who will be participating are as follows:
Meet the Squad:
Forward
Andile “Deli” Brewer
Lukhanyo “Young Blood” Dengu
Ntando Nokama
Kgotso “Finger” Letsoalo
Point Guard
Ezile Mcholwa
Petros “Mbappe” Mlife
Lusanda “Small” Manqele
Centre
Bongumenzi “Menzi” Biyela
Other positions
Scelimpilo “Stylo” Sibisi
Khanya “Msholozi” Xundu
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Siphamandla Gumbi
Assistant Coach 1: Sizwe Lechesa
Assistant Coach 2: Nichodemus Mmitwe
Team Management
Team Manager: Katlego Mogapi
Team Physio:Claude Mulungwa
Be strong 💪💪boys we salute you
Thanks papa