Burundi’s Gladiators opened their Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone 5 campaign on a positive note Sunday after being awarded a walkover victory against Uganda’s Magic Stormers, who were disqualified over a uniform infraction.
The result puts the Burundian side in a favorable position early in the nine-team regional qualifier, which offers two automatic tickets to this year’s WBLA finals.
Hosts Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Rwanda’s Rwanda Energy Group (REG) also got their campaigns off to flying starts, each posting dominant wins on the opening day at the Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium in Nairobi.
REG Roll Past Don Bosco Lionesses
Rwanda’s REG, last year’s Zone 5 runners-up, began their pursuit of a first regional crown with a commanding 87–38 victory over Tanzania’s Don Bosco Lionesses.
Star forward Kristina King, returning to the lineup after missing last year’s WBLA finals, led the Rwandese side with 15 points and nine rebounds in just under 21 minutes. Hope Butera added a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards as REG showed their depth and efficiency on both ends of the floor.
REG raced to a 26–4 first-quarter lead and never looked back, extending the margin to 32 points by halftime. Despite a stronger showing from the Tanzanians in the second quarter, REG’s relentless defense and fast-paced offense sealed the win comfortably.
“The game went well and we played as a team,” King told FIBA.basketball. “We’re here with one target — to go all the way after falling short last year.”
REG will face Kenya’s Zetech Sparks next, while Don Bosco Lionesses prepare to meet Burundi’s Gladiators in their second group game.
KPA Dominate Fox Divas in Group A Clash
Hosts KPA impressed their home fans with an 81–57 win over Tanzania’s Fox Divas to take an early lead in Group A.
Five KPA players scored in double digits, led by Nigerian forward Ifunanya Okoro, who posted 18 points, six rebounds and two blocks in under 18 minutes. The Kenyan champions capitalized on 21 Fox turnovers, converting them into 27 points while dominating the paint 42–32.
KPA took control early with a 25–13 first-quarter lead and extended the advantage to 51–31 by halftime. Despite resting most starters in the second half, the Dockers maintained their composure to seal a comfortable win.
“We’re still working on our chemistry, but this was a good start,” Okoro said after the game. “We need to tighten up defensively if we’re going to challenge for the title.”
Gladiators Set for First On-Court Test
After their walkover win, Burundi’s Gladiators will make their first on-court appearance Tuesday against Don Bosco Lionesses.
The Burundian team will aim to build early momentum as they chase a spot in the continental finals — a potential milestone for Burundi’s growing women’s basketball scene.
Next Fixtures — Tuesday, Nov. 11:
- Rwanda Energy Group (RWA) vs. Zetech Sparks (KEN)
- Burundi Gladiators (BDI) vs. Don Bosco Lionesses (TAN)
