The 13th African Games officially get under way on Friday night at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, an opening ceremony that will drive home the Games’ theme of “Experience the African Dream”.
Carrying the South African flag will be beach volleyball’s Leo Williams and women’s cricket captain. Nondumiso Shangase.
Leader of the Team SA delegation in Accra, Patience Shikwambana, says it was a unanimous decision to award the honour to these two flag bearers. “Congratulations to both athletes. They are a credit to their sports, country, to their family and friends and themselves. In Leo’s case these are not his first African Games, and he’s one of the most experienced squad members in Accra. And for Nondumiso it’s her first Games and she’s a role model who is leading a powerful Team SA women’s cricket team into battle.”
The president of SASCOC, Barry Hendricks, emphasised the importance of these Games. “These are the 13th African Games which brings the best of the best together to compete under a unified, multi-coded umbrella. It is the eighth successive occasion that Team SA has been part of the experience.
“For many athletes here it will be the highlight of their careers. We want them to enjoy themselves and perform to their best, while being role models and ambassadors for their country. Well done to both Leo and Nondumiso on their appointments as flag bearers.”
These are the third African Games that Williams will be competing in. He stands in his bare feet on the sand at 1.98m, and will share the carrying duties with the 27-year-old dynamo Shangase.
Williams has been playing on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour since 2012 and carries a wealth of experience.
The SASCOC CEO, Ms Nozipho Jafta, also expressed her congratulations to the athletes. “It’s a great honour for you to parade carrying our nation’s flag. It’s always such an emotional and proud moment for all South Africans on occasions like this. These Games are of vital importance to us and we’re delighted to have you as our flag bearers.”
There are 52 countries taking part in these Games, which showcases the best talent the continent has to offer. Held every four years, these Games were postponed from late 2023 to March 2024.
Shangase has represented the Proteas 18 times in official Internationals and she also captains her provincial franchise. A natural leader, she is captain of a strong women’s cricket team at these Games which is widely expected to challenge for the gold medal.
Friday’s ceremony will bring together the Heads of State, Ministers, high level dignitaries, athletes, officials and spectators from across the continent to mark the commencement of this awaited special event.
Photos by Roger Sedres