Zetech Sparks set lofty target on WBLA qualifiers debut

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women's league silver medalists, Zetech Sparks, are set for their debut in the Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) qualifiers on Monday, 10 November, with high expectations for a successful campaign.

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The varsity side qualified for the Zonal competition after finishing second, behind holders Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), in the national league. Under coach Maurice Obilo, this is the second time they are qualifying for this competition, but they sat out of the previous event.

In Saturday's WBLA qualifiers draw, Sparks landed in Group B, where they faced off with Zonal silver medalists Rwanda Energy Group (REG), Tanzania champions Don Bosco Lionesses and Burundi's Les Hippos.

Group A is headlined by national champions KPA, alongside star-studded APR from Rwanda, Fox Divas from Tanzania, Gladiators of Burundi and Uganda's Magic Stomers.

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Skipper Christine Akinyi believes the team has what it takes to hold their own against more established and experienced sides, revealing that they are dreaming of a final berth on debut.

"There's nothing stopping us from aiming for the title despite our underdog tag," a confident Akinyi told Mozzart Sport as competition got underway at Nyayo Gymnasium on Sunday, 9 November.

"Preparations have been good and we are ready for the challenge ahead. The coach has prepared us for this level of competition.

We are a physical team, one able to withstand the Kenyan challenge, but we are aware that this will be a different ball game; but we are ready to face every opponent.

We are bringing a positive mentality, and are ready to not just participate but compete," she further affirmed.

In the Group phase, Sparks' biggest threat is posed by REG, who won both the 2025 Rwanda Cup and the league title. Last year, under Julian Martinez, REG took silver in Zone 5 but could not replicate this success at the continental level, finishing sixth.

This was a drop from the 2023 edition, in which they made their debut with a fourth-place finish.

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Ahead of the Nairobi event, REG have strengthened their squad by recruiting American guard Kayana Traylor, as well as two former KPA players: Chantal Kiyobe and Grace Irebu Malu, the reigning Kenyan league Most Valuable Player (MVP).

"Our squad is made up mainly of young talents, but we have some experienced players whose guidance will be crucial. I, for one, have played in the national team at this level, and I know what to expect.

It was heartbreaking to miss out on the last qualifiers, but I believe the team is now in a better place and we will give a good account of ourselves," the skipper concluded.

Kenya missed out on the continental showpiece hosted in Dakar, Senegal last year, and both KPA, 2023 silver medalists, and Sparks are looking to get the two automatic slots to this year's December event.