SA U23 coach downplays Egypt wheelchair basketball withdrawal

South Africa, who are the defending African champions, will host the prestigious 2025 IWBF U23 Men’s Africa Championship at the Mandeville Sports Ground in Johannesburg from 3-13 February 2025.

Egypt’s withdrawal without reasons given has now left the field with only five participants, leading the organisers to reshuffle the programme, but Gumbi insists it will not impact their preparations.

“The withdrawal of Egypt doesn’t change any planning and does not affect the team. The field will remain strong as I believe every country wants to win this event,” said Gumbi.

The countries that will now battle it out for the one spot available for Africa at the World Champs will be South Africa, Libya, Kenya, Liberia and the DR Congo.

The coach, who is the assistant coach but will be taking charge of the team during the tournament after regular coach Motlalentwa Mmitlwe was involved in an accident, says he has been managing in his new interim role.

“I'm doing well, I've had support from the team management and the team as a whole. We have been working very hard preparing for this event, and we are ready to show what the team is capable of,” added Gumbi.

SA open their campaign against the DR Congo on Friday, 7 February, followed by a clash against Libya the next day, before facing Liberia and Kenya on 9 and 10 February, respectively.

“The opening match is very crucial as it will set the tone and release some pressure off the boys. We must just stick to the basics as a team,” concluded the coach.

The winners of the African Champs will book their spot at the 2025 IWBF U23 Men’s World Championship, which will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil in June.

READ: SASCOC to launch hosting bid for 2036 Olympic Games