Johannesburg, South Africa – The South African U23 Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team, known as the AmaWheelies, delivered yet another commanding performance at the 2025 IWBF Africa U23 Men’s Basketball Championship, securing a crucial 47-34 victory over Libya at the Mandeville Indoor Sports Centre in Johannesburg.
This latest triumph follows their opening day win against Egypt, where they recorded an identical 47-34 scoreline, further strengthening their campaign in the tournament. The victory puts South Africa in a strong position as they edge closer to securing the continental title and, more importantly, a coveted spot at the IWBF U23 World Championships in Brazil later this year.
A Tactical Masterclass from the AmaWheelies
The highly anticipated clash started cautiously, resembling a boxing bout in which both teams threw measured jabs, feeling out their opponent. With the game locked at 2-2 early on, South Africa shifted gears, catching the Libyan side off guard with their aggressive counter-attacking play.
The electric Ntando Nokama and Khanya Xundu orchestrated South Africa’s offensive rhythm, seamlessly exchanging passes and outpacing Libya’s defense with sharp movement and pinpoint accuracy. Within the first five minutes, the AmaWheelies surged ahead 7-2, forcing Libya into an early timeout.
The brief pause did little to disrupt South Africa’s momentum. Their high-intensity pressing game disrupted Libya’s attacking build-up, while their swift ball movement and clinical finishing extended the lead to 13-2 after just eight minutes. Libya, stunned by the relentless South African attack, managed to claw back two late baskets, but the first period still ended firmly in South Africa’s favor at 15-6.
Libya’s Fightback Falls Short
Libya emerged stronger in the second period, capitalizing on a few missed South African shots to cut the deficit to 15-8. However, the lethal combination of Nokama and Xundu reignited South Africa’s offense, producing a blistering 8-0 scoring run in just three minutes to stretch the lead to 23-8.
As the game progressed, Libya adjusted their strategy, adopting a more aggressive attacking approach. This forced South Africa into committing defensive fouls, gifting Libya a series of free-throw opportunities. Although they struggled to convert all of them, the North Africans managed to narrow the gap, outscoring South Africa 10-4 in the latter half of the second period. Nonetheless, the AmaWheelies maintained control at 27-18 heading into halftime.
Holding Their Nerve Amid Libya’s Comeback Attempt
The third quarter proved to be a tense affair, as Libya’s newfound confidence saw them chip away at South Africa’s lead. The hosts, now conceding more fouls, allowed Libya to keep the scoreboard ticking through free throws. Meanwhile, with Nokama and Xundu briefly rested, South Africa’s counter-attacks lacked their usual speed, and Libya took advantage.
By the midway point of the third period, South Africa still held a 33-19 advantage, but a resurgent Libya rode a wave of crowd support, reducing the deficit to just 35-28 at the end of the quarter.
A Strong Finish to Seal the Victory
Sensing the need for renewed urgency, South Africa reintroduced Nokama and Xundu for the final period, and their impact was immediate. Their return, coupled with deafening support from the home crowd, including chants of “Shosholoza”, reignited the AmaWheelies’ dominance.
South Africa closed the game emphatically, outscoring Libya 8-2 in the final minutes to seal a 47-34 victory. Nokama, who played a pivotal role throughout the match, was rightfully named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Eyes on the Prize
With two wins from two matches, South Africa now finds themselves in pole position in the tournament standings. The AmaWheelies will next face DR Congo at 09:00 AM, followed by a clash with Liberia at 15:30 PM tomorrow. Their final group-stage match will see them take on Kenya on Monday at 18:00 PM.
With the semi-finals set for Tuesday and the final on Wednesday, South Africa has put itself in a strong position to contend for a place in the championship match and a potential qualification for the IWBF U23 World Championships in Brazil.
For now, the message from the AmaWheelies camp is clear: One game at a time, but the dream is alive.
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For More South African Basketball News: South Africa’s Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Competes in 2023 U-25 World Championship
