A squad of 25 athletes will proudly represent South Africa at the first edition of the African Para Games (APGs), to be held in Accra, Ghana, from 03 to 12 September 2023.
The first African Para Games are an initiative of the International Paralympic Committee and the African Paralympic Committee.
Team South Africa will participate in the Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis sporting codes.
This event plays a crucial role as it will be a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
The South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) President, Mr. Barry Hendricks, congratulated the team, stating; “Congratulations to the selected team members who will represent the South African nation at the inaugural Africa Para Games. Para sport is at the heart of our core business, as these games are a reminder that people with disabilities have the right to participate in sports and recreational activities at all levels. Para sport also focuses on values of courage, determination, inspiration, and above all, inclusion and equality.”
Mr. Hendricks wished the athletes, coaches, medical and team management the very best of luck at this important and historic sporting event.
SASCOC CEO, Ms. Nozipho Jafta, also congratulated the selected team and underscored the importance of the first edition of the African Para Games, stating, ‘This event is significant in our journey towards the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, as it acts as a qualifier for these renowned Games. We urge our athletes to give it their all so that they can secure their slots for the Paralympic Games.”
“We have a great history of outstanding performances in Para sport, so we hope the team will raise the flag high at these Games, Ms Jafta added.
The full team is as follows:
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
Women
Samkelisiwe Mbhata
Nobuhle Chiyi
Aphilile Xhalisile
Londeka Mthembu
Linda Bosele
Michelle Moganedi
Ongezwa Hagu
Nolitha Kibido
Nokwanda Hlongwane
Asive Gilifile
Duduzile Gwaza
Simanga Mbhele
Men
Petros Mlife
Elias Langerman
Allen Mtatase
Mgcini Mzileni
Zakhele Shelembe
Ayabonga Jim
Xola Yalezo
Tlotliso Mncuzana
Shane Williams
Vuyo Zongo
Tshepo Nkoana
Coaches and Management
Lawrence Johnson
Gcina Panyana
Wiseman Dlamini
Siphamandla Gumbi
Thato Meka
WHEELCHAIR TENNIS
Men
Alwande Sikhosana
Leon Els
Coaches and Management
Gopolang More