Mombasa’s Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is making a high-stakes bid for continental glory, overhauling its technical bench just days before the 2025 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) tips off in Cairo, Egypt. The dockers are betting that a new coach and international signings can turn their historic 2023 silver medal into long-awaited gold.

This aggressive strategy comes after a nail-biting qualification campaign. KPA secured their spot in the Cairo finals only after a tense 89-81 overtime victory against Burundi's Les Hippos in a third-place playoff, following tough losses to Rwandan teams. The narrow escape prompted a strategic shake-up, with the team bringing in Libyan national Babil Kabalan as interim head coach, replacing the long-serving Antony Ojukwu for the tournament.

A New Playbook for an Old Dream

Management believes Kabalan’s international experience is the missing piece. He previously served as an assistant coach for Libya's national team and the reigning Basketball Africa League (BAL) champions, Al Ahli Tripoli. KPA Team Manager Evans Okwera noted the change was a “new approach” after nearly two decades of continental competition without securing the top prize.

To bolster the squad, KPA has also signed two American players, A'llexxus Johnson and Sara Dickey, to fill gaps left by the departure of key players Ifunanya Okoro and Aminata Ly. The new-look team is tasked with navigating a tough field of 12 clubs in a tournament running from December 5 to 14.

What's at Stake for the Dockers

For KPA, this is about more than just a trophy; it's about cementing a legacy. The team made history in 2023 by becoming the first Kenyan side to reach the final of the continent's premier women's club competition. A victory in Cairo would not only be a monumental achievement for the Mombasa-based club but would also elevate the profile of Kenyan basketball across Africa.

• Tournament: 2025 Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA)
• Location: Cairo, Egypt
• Dates: December 5 - 14, 2025
• KPA's Best Finish: Silver Medal (2023)

As the team settles in Cairo, the new strategy will be put to the ultimate test. With a seasoned tactician at the helm and fresh talent on the court, the hope in Mombasa is that this will finally be the year KPA’s ship comes in, carrying continental gold.