South African 3×3 Basketball Teams Prepared for World University Games

Germany – 16 July 2025

South Africa’s men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball teams are set to compete at the 2025 World University Games, which begin tomorrow in Germany. As the largest international multi-sport event after the Olympic Games, the World University Games brings together over 8,000 athletes from 150 countries across 18 sporting codes, offering a significant platform for student-athletes to represent their countries on an international stage.

This year, South Africa is fielding teams in eight sporting disciplines, including 3×3 basketball—an increasingly popular and fast-paced version of the traditional game. The national squads, selected from university players across the country, are poised to test themselves against some of the world’s most competitive student teams.

Men’s Team Opens Campaign Against European Opposition

The South African men’s 3×3 team will begin their campaign in Pool C with matches against Lithuania at 11:45 and Poland at 15:25 on the opening day. The format is direct and unforgiving: only the top team in each of the four pools qualifies automatically for the quarter-finals, while the second- and third-placed teams must navigate an additional play-off round to progress.

With strong technical preparation and a focused group, the men’s team will look to start their campaign with intent and composure.

Men’s Team Lineup:

Sbongakonke Mkhwanazi
Allan Mametja
Thabang Ndlovu
Matthew Williams
Coach: Thanda Kweyama

Women’s Team Gearing Up After Strong Preparation

The South African women’s team, placed in Pool D, will take the court on Friday, facing off against USA and Poland. In preparation, the squad played a practice match against France—an opportunity that, despite the physical challenge, offered valuable insight into their readiness.

Team captain Talita Memani, speaking after the match, emphasised the importance of staying focused on fundamentals:

“They were a bit physical and strong for us, but we managed to play our game. We just need to focus more on shooting.”

Memani, who expressed deep pride in leading her country, sees this tournament as a crucial opportunity—not just personally, but for the development of basketball in South Africa:

“It feels amazing. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and for my country. We need to push until the end.”

The team’s training focused on mobility and shooting drills, with a specific emphasis on overcoming the challenges of flat-footed play. Memani also spoke to the broader impact of the Games on young South Africans:

“In our country, you have to study to play for the national team. I feel like now, more learners want to study, get to university, and play basketball. It creates a real pathway.”

Coach Davids: A Milestone Moment for Women’s Basketball

Leading the women’s side is Coach Thesline Davids, a figure who has been instrumental in the development of youth and women’s basketball in South Africa.

“It’s something I’ve always dreamed of. It’s taken years of hard work to get here, and I’m full of pride knowing I get to represent the country—especially in women’s basketball.”

Davids acknowledged the logistical challenges of bringing players from different provinces together, but highlighted the value of training camps and individual communication in building team cohesion.

“We had some good camps that helped us understand where we are and what we need to work on.”

On a broader level, she sees the Games as a pivotal moment for student-athletes in South Africa.

“It gives younger players something to aim for. After under-16 or under-18 levels, they know they can become student-athletes and still represent their country.”

Looking ahead, Davids hopes the team’s participation will have a lasting impact:

“Just us being here is a huge blessing. When we get home, we’ll share that experience to help grow the sport further.”

Women’s Team Lineup:

Talita Memani
Caroline Maine
Thoriso Kotsane
Lindokhuhle Nkabini
Thesline Davids (Coach)

A Step Forward for Basketball and University Sport

3×3 basketball, now a FISU and Olympic discipline, continues to grow in popularity. For South Africa, the inclusion of both men’s and women’s teams at this level marks a step forward in promoting the sport within universities and beyond.

Participation at the World University Games not only provides players with international exposure but also reinforces the link between education and elite sport—a balance that remains crucial in South Africa’s sports development landscape.

As competition begins, the focus for both teams will be on executing their game plans, adapting under pressure, and playing the game they love wearing the national colours.

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