“I never thought I could be somebody in this world…”
Growing up in KwaMashu Sphelele Dlamini never imagined that wheelchair basketball would one day take him to France. Today, the sport has become much more than a game – it represents freedom, hope and the belief that no dream is out of reach.
Looking back at his younger self, Sphelele has one message: “Never stop believing.”
“I never thought I could be somebody in this world. The environment itself was never positive, most of the world viewed us as failures or mistakes,” he says.
Like many athletes, Sphelele’s journey has not been without any setbacks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he considered giving up on wheelchair basketball after opportunities became limited.
It was an unexpected message from a Dutch friend on Facebook that changed everything.
“He told me I could go far with a wheelchair basketball in Europe, or even if I got the right tools. That’s where my interest in going to Europe came from,” Sphelele recalls.
His first season in Europe brought uncertainty and he feared his journey had come to an end. Instead he was invited back for a second year and has continued pursuing his dream while working towards securing a full professional contract.
Sphelele believes his mindset was shaped at home, where his family never treated him differently because of his disability.
“I have always believed that I’m here on earth for a purpose and a reason.”
Today basketball represents far more than just a competition.
“Basketball has given me freedom and hope that anything is possible. Living with a disability is expensive, especially in our country, and the equipment we need is costly.
His advice to others facing challenges is rooted in faith and purpose as he adds that he wants to be remembered for defying the odds to live a big, purposeful life.
Looking ahead, Sphelele hopes to use his international experience to inspire and uplift the next generation of young people living with disabilities.
“I want to use my international experience to inspire and uplift the next generation of youth living with disabilities. My goal is to act as a mentor so they do not have to struggle through the same structural barriers I faced,” he says.
On the court, he has his sights set on playing in some of the world’s biggest leagues and clubs.
By Sinentlahla Mbokwe
