Fondini on a mission with basketball team

Port Elizabeth sports administrator Sibongile Fondini has been appointed chef de mission of the SA Wheelchair Basketball senior men’s team to participate in two international events in April.

The team will take part in the Belgium 14th Easter International Championships from April 17-21 and the 11th Fazza International Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Dubai from April 23-May 1.

The events are part of the team’s preparations for their 2020 Olympics qualifier in January 2020.

“I am very excited to be chosen, particularly because I have never taken a national wheelchair basketball team to an international tournament before,” Fondini said.

“Both events are very important as they form part of the team’s preparations for the 2020 Olympics qualifier.

“We have assembled a strong team and have made sure that we call upon all SA players, including those who are based in France, to be part of this team.

“This is to make sure the team is well prepared for the qualifiers as there is only one slot for Africa in the Olympics next year in Morocco.

“Throughout the years I have made sure that I remain disciplined in terms of the manner that I connect within the sport itself.

“When you get such recognition at national level, that tells you that you are trustworthy.”

On his return from the two competitions, Fondini will travel with the SA Wheelchair Basketball U25 national women’s team to the IWBF U25 World Championships in Thailand from May 22-30.