PUMA WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CLUB

Gauteng North Club                                           P.O.BOX 12457                                      Tel:         083-303-0061
H/v Kerk en Maltzan str.                                  CENTURION                                                        083-271-5859
Pretoria Wes                                                         0046                                                        Fax:         011-783-7608 / 012-345-6070

The club was established in 1986 under the guidance of Anton Swanefelder, and formed from 2 teams, namely the Pumas and the Impalas, (nick-named the “Defence Force”) but only the Pumas remained when the Super Sport Series started in 1997.
With a wide spectrum of age and experienced players the Pumas won the SuperSport Series for four consecutive years from 1997-2000 and in 2001 came 2nd after the Bladerunners. After an absence of 3 years, the Pumas started playing in the SuperSport Series again and came fourth in 2005.
In the same year, the Pumas were privileged to enter a male and a female team into the Conference League Games. The Pumas and the ladies team, known as the Filas Angels, both came second in their respective leagues. The Pumas were very proud they did so well after an absence of 3 years.
The Pumas home Club is based at the Pretoria North Club for the Disabled in Gauteng. One of Pumas’ main priorities is to develop and coach new players and is especially involved in  Soshanguwe, the local township, North of Pretoria.
Since the club was formed in 1986, Pumas are proud to have many players and management represent the National Team. These playes are Tom Bouwer, Kobus Oeschger, Duggie Wessels, Martin Buys (coach and player), Gideon Myburgh, Joppie Victor, Dave Curle, Mike Pretorius, Jacques van Schalkwyk, Mark Kueck, John Coetzer, Henry van Wyk, Dawie Venter, Greg Guy (coach), Kenny le Roux (coach) and Marizanne Lingenfelder (team assistant). Pumas are a well balanced team with high and low pointers with different disabilities.
In 2006 the team changed name to the Turke Pumas as a result of new sponsors, and changed again in 2008 to Gestener Pumas, and with Ricoh’s takeover of Gestetner the Team’s new name for 2009,the team is now known as the Ricoh Pumas. Since 2006, Willie Riechert and Marezanne Lingenfelder have coached and managed the team, respectfully, with Etienne Buys as Chairman.