South Africa Hosts Historic IWBF 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships at Sun City

Sun City, South Africa – August 1, 2025

A significant milestone for wheelchair basketball begins today as the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) officially launches the inaugural 3×3 Open World Championships at the Superbowl Sun Arena in Sun City, South Africa. Running from August 1–3, the event is not only the first of its kind in the 3×3 discipline but also the first IWBF World Championship to be held on the African continent.

For South Africa, this tournament represents an opportunity to host international teams in a format that highlights both the competitive and inclusive spirit of the sport.

A Landmark Moment for the Continent

Organised by Wheelchair Basketball South Africa (WBSA), the event welcomes 22 teams—14 men’s and 8 women’s—to compete in the fast-paced 3×3 format. All matches will be played at Sun City’s renowned Superbowl Sun Arena, a venue known for staging major events across sport and entertainment.

South Africa will be represented by three national teams: one men’s team and two women’s teams (South Africa A and B). These squads will face strong competition from across five continents.

The South African men’s team includes:

Mpho Mooketsi
Zakhele Shelembe
Shane Williams
Xola Yalezo

The South Africa A women’s team features:

Asive Gilifile
Duduzile Gwaza
Michelle Moganedi
Aviwe Ngoni

The South Africa B women’s team is composed of:

Zukiswa Gansa
Ongezwa Hagu
Samkeliswe Mbatha
Aphilile Xhalisile

Understanding 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball

3×3 wheelchair basketball is a fast-developing variation of the traditional 5-on-5 game. Played on a half-court with three players per side and one substitute, the format prioritizes quick decision-making, tactical coordination, and individual skill.

Each match is played over 10 minutes or until one team scores 21 points. A 12-second shot clock keeps the action moving at a brisk pace. Players score one point for baskets inside the arc, two for shots outside, and one for each successful free throw. Teams are restricted to a combined 8.5 classification points on court at any time, ensuring fair competition across varying levels of functional ability.

This version of the game made its international debut at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and is now a central part of the IWBF’s strategy to make the sport more accessible and widely played.

South Africa’s Group Fixtures

The tournament is divided into group stages before progressing to playoff rounds. South Africa’s men’s team, placed in Group B, will face a demanding schedule with four matches on opening day:

🕙 10:15 AM – vs. Malaysia
🕐 01:35 PM – vs. Poland
🕓 04:30 PM – vs. Slovenia
🕗 08:40 PM – vs. Spain

Their results will determine their path into the knockout stages on Saturday.

On the women’s side, South Africa A, drawn in Pool A with Australia, Great Britain, and Switzerland, will play:

🕛 11:55 AM – vs. Australia
🕔 05:45 PM – vs. Great Britain
🕛 August 2 at 12:20 PM – vs. Switzerland

South Africa B, in Pool B alongside Canada, Spain, and Kenya, will compete in the following fixtures:

🕝 02:50 PM – vs. Kenya
🕗 08:40 PM – vs. Spain
🕐 August 2 at 01:35 PM – vs. Canada

Play-in and playoff matches begin on Saturday afternoon, with final placements and medal games scheduled for Sunday.

Free Entry and Live Coverage

Spectators are encouraged to attend, as entry to all matches is free of charge. The event offers a rare opportunity for local fans to experience international wheelchair basketball at one of South Africa’s premier venues.

For those unable to attend in person, every match will be streamed live on the IWBF YouTube Channel, ensuring broad access to the tournament across the basketball community.

With athletes from across Africa, Europe, Asia-Oceania, and the Americas converging on Sun City, the IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships marks an important step forward for the sport and its continued development.

The Sport South Africa team will be on-site for the finals on Sunday, covering all the action and post-match reflections.