KPA step up Zone Five Club Championships preps

 National women’s basketball league champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have begun preparations for the upcoming FIBA Zone Five Club Championships, scheduled for November 9–15, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.

The regional tournament will serve as the qualifiers for the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA), which is set to take place later this year in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

KPA, who are the defending national champions, will represent Kenya alongside Zetech Sparks, the national premier league runners-up.

KPA completed a flawless playoff run to clinch the 2025 Kenyan Women’s National Basketball League title, sweeping Zetech Sparks 3–0. Their decisive 59-51 victory in Game 3 showcased KPA’s depth, hustle and championship pedigree, establishing them as formidable contenders in the qualifiers.

KPA finished fourth last year as compatriots Equity Hawks finished sixth.

The qualifiers are expected to feature top club sides from across East and Central Africa region, all vying for a place in the prestigious WBLA continental showpiece.

Al Ahly Sporting Club of Egypt are the defending champions of the 2024 FIBA Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone 5 Qualifiers. 

Al Ahly are in the mix again, having won the Egyptian Cup 99–64 against Sporting Club in the final. Once again, they will be seeking to reach the final round and prove that they are worthy contenders.

However, they will have to face the champions of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, should they all show up.

The Rwanda Energy Group (REG) women’s team won the 2025 Rwanda Cup by beating rivals APR Women 79–52. REG also secured the Rwanda Women’s Basketball League title in a thrilling seven-game final against Kepler.

As the national champions prepare for the qualifiers, all eyes are on what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament, showcasing the talent, determination and development of women’s basketball across the continent.

Qualifying for the Final Round through these qualifiers is not only prestigious, but also paves the way for a chance to win the continental title, currently held by Ferroviário de Maputo of Mozambique.