Team SA’s basketballers have finished their campaign at the Region 5 Games in Windhoek with four medals – two each from the girls and boys, writes Mark Lemke.
The girls side picked up a bronze medal to add to their gold medal from the 3×3 after they beat Malawi 72-57 at The Windhoek Showgrounds on Saturday morning. The South Africans were behind for most of the game and found themselves in a 15-point deficit with 10 minutes to go.
In those 10 minutes, TeamSA pulled off an inspiring comeback to secure their place on the podium.
The boys faced the tournament favourites, Angola, in the final. Unfortunately, the hard work, strong defence and dazzling attack of Team South Africa was not enough as they were defeated 70-50.
Although they lost, they earned the silver medal and their fourth place in the 3×3 has been changed to a silver due to the disqualification of Angola and Zambia.
Tintswalo Siwele was made the captain of the girls team two days ago and provided her thoughts after the win. “I am so proud of my team, and we fought with all we had to win that medal for TeamSA. We can’t wait for what’s to come. We are waiting for confirmation, but I think we may have qualified for AfroBasket because of this which would be a huge opportunity.”
The boys head coach, Sbusiso Williams, praised his side after the final. “I am very proud of these boys. They are incredibly talented and they have bright futures ahead of them. We will begin planning for the AfroBasket in Rwanda later this year.”
It has been a successful Region 5 Youth Games for basketball. The teams are now looking to prepare for Afrobasket in September which they are both officially qualified for.
Photo: Frennie Shivambu
