South Africa became the first country to qualify for the 3×3 wheelchair basketball competition at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games after winning the IWBF Africa 3×3 Commonwealth Games Qualifier last week.
In what was the first-ever official IWBF 3×3 wheelchair basketball competition, South Africa men’s and women’s teams both claimed their tickets to participate in the Commonwealth Games next year.
The 3×3 discipline of the sport is allowing the game of wheelchair basketball to expand and new countries to take the international stage. The African qualifier welcomed men’s teams from Namibia and Rwanda to compete for their first time alongside the hosts South Africa as well as Kenya, and Gambia.
The South African foursome of Cecil Dumond, Simanga Mbhele, Rakgetsing Molete and Allen Mtatse held off fierce competition from Kenya in the final to secure an 18-10 win and preserve their unbeaten record at the Qualifiers.
Kenya and South Africa faced off in a best of three for the women’s competition. South Africa’s Kelebogile Moeng was the leading scorer of the tournament with 22 points, helping her side to win the series 3-0 and earn their place in Birmingham.
Final Standings
Men
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Gambia
- Namibia
- Rwanda
Women
- South Africa
- Kenya
Visit the IWBF Africa 3×3 Commonwealth Games Qualifier webpage to find out more information.
3×3 wheelchair basketball will make its debut at the Commonwealth Games, taking place in Birmingham, UK in 2022. Each Zone has one men’s and one women’s slot each as well as the spot for the hosts, IWBF also have a wildcard in each competition to award.
Photo Credit: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
