Team SA’s Wheelchair 3×3 Basketball Teams Set Sights on Glasgow 2026 Glory

Continuing our Team SA Commonwealth Games countdown, the spotlight moves from the tartan track to the hardwood. Hot on the heels of our explosive track and field contingent announcement, Sport South Africa is thrilled to confirm that both the South African Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair 3×3 Basketball teams have officially booked their tickets to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The men’s team secured their spot through direct qualification, while the women’s team earned a well-deserved wildcard entry.

For South Africa, 3×3 basketball is a relatively new concept. The format requires players to adapt to a shorter, faster, and far more explosive style of play compared to the traditional 5v5 game. For both our men’s and women’s national teams to qualify for a stage as grand as the Commonwealth Games speaks volumes about the incredible progress the sport has made in a remarkably short period.

Our journey with this dynamic sport truly began last year when South Africa hosted the 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships at Sun City. For us at Sport South Africa, it was our first real exposure to the sheer intensity of the format and the immense talent of our national representatives.

But a team is only as strong as its foundation. At Sun City, we met the individuals working tirelessly off the court to push the sport forward. The fact that both teams will proudly wear the green and gold in Glasgow is a testament to the dedication of head coaches Cecil Dumond (Men) and Gcina Panyana (Women), alongside the administrative backbone provided by managers like Gerhard (Gerry) Smith and Charles Saunders. Their behind-the-scenes efforts are paying massive dividends.

It was also at those World Championships that we first sat down with the respective team captains, Shane Williams and Michelle Moganedi. Even then, amidst the frenzy of a world championship on home soil, they made it clear that qualifying for the Commonwealth Games was the ultimate long-term goal. Now, that vision is a reality.

Following the official SASCOC team announcement, we caught up with Women’s captain Michelle Moganedi to reflect on the journey, the upcoming challenge, and what it means to be part of an integrated Team SA.

“The Commonwealth Games is, of course, amazing,” Moganedi shared with Sport South Africa. “It was a tough journey for us to actually get there, but the fact that we are there means we are capable. We got a second chance, and we can’t wait to just get on that stage and show the world that we’re not there by mistake. We’re actually here to compete.”

With a packed schedule over the coming year, including World Championships and Paralympic qualifiers, Moganedi believes the momentum is exactly what the team needs. “Athletes have a competitive nature, so we always want to be on that court competing and becoming better. 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.”

One of the most unique aspects of the Commonwealth Games is the integration of able-bodied and para-sports into a single, unified event. For Moganedi, this is a massive highlight.

“With the Commonwealth, everybody is there. It’s not just parasport, it’s everybody. So it’s like a unity. There isn’t separation. It feels like we are one team. That is big for myself and for the team, to finally be in one place with everybody and actually share each other’s energy and unite.”

Beyond the court, Moganedi is eager to soak in the Glasgow experience, hoping for good weather and looking forward to embracing the Scottish culture, its people, and supporting her fellow Team SA athletes in other codes.

The Wheelchair 3×3 Basketball tournament will take place from the 24th to the 29th of July at the SEC Centre in Glasgow.

Here is the full list of the Team SA Wheelchair 3×3 Basketball squads heading to Scotland:

Men’s Squad

Zakhele Shelembe
Shane Williams (Captain)
Xola Yalezo
Simanga Mbhele
Coach: Cecil Dumond

Women’s Squad

Aviwe Ngoni
Michelle Moganedi (Captain)
Asive Gilfile
Ongezwa Hagu
Coach: Gcina Panyana

Team Manager: Gerhard (Gerry) Smith

Stay tuned to Sport South Africa as we continue to roll out our Glasgow 2026 Team SA series, bringing you closer to the athletes who will be carrying the nation’s hopes next July.