ZANZIBAR (Tanzania) - As the race for Women's Basketball League-Africa (WBL-Africa) slots gets underway in Zanzibar, tough competition is expected with 11 teams chasing two slots. Defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) are looking to retain their title in the Zone 5 Qualifiers for a ticket to the continental stage where they finished second last year. Skipper Natalie Akinyi, an Africa 3x3 champion and Most Valuable Player (MVP) says the team is aware of the challenge ahead.
"Being champions we have a target on our backs, with 10 teams out to deny us. We had good preparations and are ready for it. However, we are not going ahead of ourselves and will take it a game at a time as we advance. We are here for both the title and the ticket," Akinyi told FIBA.basketball. The Antony Ojukwu-coached side faces star-studded sides led by Egyptian champions Al Ahly Sporting who have roped in 24-year-old Senegalese forward Ndioma Kane who starred for her national team at the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament, making the all-star team in Rwanda.
Also in their ranks is Raneem Elgedawy, one of the national team's key players since the junior ranks when she played in the U16 in 2013. The centre says her charges are ready for the task ahead. Reem Moussa who led Sporting Alexandria's back court as they won the AWBL is also part of the squad. "We have been preparing for this for long. Everyone is focused and ready for the task ahead. We believe in our team and in our depth. We are here to qualify but our amon target is lifting the title," Elgedawy offered. Another star attraction in the competition is APR's Lucas Italee, a former MVP in the women’s club competition who featured for Inter Clube of Angola in the AWBL last year. The Rwandese champions are hoping to qualify for the continental competition for the first time. "It has been a beautiful experience so far. The team has been welcoming. I joined APR to help them qualify for the first time and this is going to be a special championship with all the teams here. I am here to help APR get to the continental showpiece and I am excited for the week ahead," Italee offered.
Last year’s AWBL semi finalists who finished second in the last Zone Five Qualifiers, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) are hoping to claim the title and make a return to the continental showpiece where they aim to right their wrongs. Mercy Wanyama who helped the side to silver in the Rwandese league and last featured in the Zone Five club competition in 2017, representing Equity Bank Hawks says they are ready to go all the way this time. "It feels good to be back after seven years. This one will be different but I am here to give my best. Teams have beefed up squads with more experienced players which was not the case the last time I played. It is going to be interesting, but we are ready. The target is to win here and in the WBL-Africa, which is not easy but we have the personnel," Wanyama said.
FIBA