CAIRO — The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) ladies’ basketball team has officially booked a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA), surviving a baptism of fire against defending champions Ferroviário de Maputo to keep Kenya’s continental dreams alive.

Despite a gritty loss to the Mozambican giants in their final Group B clash on Tuesday night, the Dockers advanced thanks to dominant earlier victories over Cameroon’s F.A.P and Nigeria’s First Bank. The result cements KPA’s status as a top-tier African powerhouse, marking a significant recovery after missing the 2024 edition of the showpiece.

A Calculated Gamble Pays Off

For Head Coach Nabil Kabalan, the loss to Ferroviário was a reality check rather than a disaster. KPA entered the match having already secured qualification, allowing them to test their depth against the tournament favorites. While the holders proved superior in execution, KPA’s earlier performances had already done the heavy lifting.

“We are exactly where we need to be,” Kabalan noted after the game. “Playing the champions in the group stage is the best preparation for the knockouts. We saw their speed, we felt their physicality, and now we know what is required to lift the trophy.”

The Dockers’ campaign in Cairo has been defined by two emphatic statements:

• The Opener: An 83–64 dismantling of Cameroon’s F.A.P, led by American import Sara Dickey’s 23 points.
• The Follow-up: A clinical 82–53 rout of Nigeria’s First Bank, a match that showcased KPA’s defensive discipline.

The ‘Kenyan’ Factor on the Court

While foreign imports often dominate the headlines in African basketball, KPA’s core remains distinctly Kenyan. Captain Natalie Akinyi has been the engine of the team, orchestrating plays with a maturity that calms the squad during high-pressure moments. Alongside her, the inclusion of American guard Sara Dickey has added a lethal scoring punch, but it is the local talent that anchors the defense.

This qualification is more than just a sporting achievement; it is a vital exposure opportunity for Kenyan talent. Participation in the WBLA puts players in the shop window for international scouts, potentially opening doors to lucrative contracts in Europe or the Middle East—opportunities that can transform lives back home.

Eyes on the Prize

KPA now turns its attention to the quarterfinal draw, where the margin for error vanishes. The team is chasing a historic podium finish, aiming to better their silver medal from previous regional qualifiers and bronze from the 2023 continental showpiece.

“The group stage is history,” Captain Akinyi emphasized. “Now, it is win or go home. We are carrying the hopes of Mombasa and the whole of Kenya. We are ready.”