GLASGOW — Team South Africa’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball squads have concluded their campaigns at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, walking away with invaluable experience, memorable victories, and a clear vision for the future of the sport back home.
Competing at the SEC Centre against some of the world’s most established basketball nations, both the men’s and women’s teams showcased the resilience and raw talent that earned them their spots on this global, integrated stage.
AmaWheelaBoys: A Play-In Heartbreak After Pool Success
The South African men’s team, who secured direct qualification to the Games, proved they belong among the elite. After dropping their opening Pool B match to host nation Scotland (15-9), the AmaWheelaBoys bounced back with spectacular grit.
They delivered a stunning 16-12 upset victory over tournament favourites Wales, driven by the sharp shooting of Zakhele Shelembe and the playmaking of captain Shane Williams. The team followed that up with a hard-fought 13-10 win over Malaysia, securing second place in their pool and advancing to the knockout stages.
Their impressive run, however, came to an end in Tuesday’s play-in match for a spot in the semifinals. Facing a tough Canadian outfit, South Africa struggled to find their offensive rhythm and ultimately fell 15-5, closing out a highly respectable tournament appearance.
Men’s Pool B Final Standings
Rank | Team | Played | Won | Points For |
1 | Scotland | 3 | 3 | 54 |
2 | South Africa | 3 | 2 | 38 |
3 | Wales | 3 | 1 | 36 |
4 | Malaysia | 3 | 0 | 29 |
Women’s Squad: Gaining Invaluable Experience
Earning their spot in Glasgow via a wildcard entry, the South African women’s team found themselves drawn into a fiercely competitive Pool A, featuring heavyweights England, Australia, and Canada.
While the scoreboard reflected the experience gap, with losses to Canada (19-3), Australia (20-5), and eventual pool winners England (21-2), the statistics only tell part of the story. Captain Michelle Moganedi, alongside teammates Asive Gilifile and Ongezwa Hagu, fought fiercely in every contest. Against a clinical Australian side led by Georgia Munro-Cook, the South Africans showed commendable defensive resilience and a refusal to back down.
Women’s Pool A Final Standings
Rank | Team | Played | Won | Points For |
1 | England | 3 | 3 | 52 |
2 | Australia | 3 | 2 | 38 |
3 | Canada | 3 | 1 | 41 |
4 | South Africa | 3 | 0 | 10 |
The Bigger Picture: Growth and Unity
For South Africa, 3×3 wheelchair basketball is still a relatively new format. The transition from the traditional 5v5 game to this shorter, more explosive style requires immense adaptation.
The foundation laid by head coaches Cecil Dumond and Gcina Panyana, alongside the administrative support of team managers like Gerhard Smith, has paid massive dividends. Competing in an integrated event like the Commonwealth Games, where para-athletes and able-bodied athletes share the same village, energy, and unified Team SA banner, has been a profound milestone.
As women’s captain Michelle Moganedi noted before the tournament, “When you compete against the best, you get pushed to your limits. The Commonwealth Games is a great opportunity for myself and for the team to get pushed and get better going forward.”
The lessons learned on the hardwood of the SEC Centre will now serve as the blueprint for the sport’s continued growth in South Africa. The world stage is no longer just a dream; it is the new standard.
For More South African Sports News: Sport South Africa Home Page
