The FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025 Zone 5 Pre-Qualifiers run from February 3-8 in Giza, Egypt. Six nations—Egypt, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Uganda—compete for a spot in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Côte d'Ivoire.
Last Updated on
January 31, 2025
The FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025 Zone 5 Pre-Qualifiers are set to take place from February 3 to 8, 2025, at the Hassan Mostafa Arena in Giza, Egypt. Six nations Egypt, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan and Uganda will compete for a coveted spot in the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025, scheduled to be held in Côte d'Ivoire.
While the official roster is pending release, Egypt is expected to feature key players such as Raneem Elgawad and Soraya Degheidy, who have been instrumental in past tournaments. As the host nation, Egypt will benefit from home-court advantage and strong local support. The team's cohesive play and familiarity with the venue could provide a significant boost.
Historically, Egypt has faced challenges against more physically dominant teams. Addressing defensive strategies and maintaining consistency will be crucial. Despite their goal being beyond the qualifiers, Elgawad insists that winning the zonal event at home would mean more than just winning.
"We want to do this for our friends and family," said Raneem Elgawad
The South Sudan Basketball Federation is buzzing with excitement as the Bright Starlets prepare to return to action in just a few days. The women’s national team will compete in the Zone V FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Pre-Qualifiers in Cairo, from February 3-8, alongside teams from Egypt, Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya.
With new head coach Alberto Antúna taking the reins in December, the Bright Starlets are gearing up with a mix of returning players and fresh talent. The final 12-player roster will be revealed on February 2, adding anticipation to the team’s upcoming campaign.
South Sudan made history in 2023 by securing their first-ever international win, defeating Rwanda by 14 points. The federation is eager to build on that momentum, and the 2024 Olympic heroics of the men's national squad and hopes to see their women's team make a strong statement in Cairo as they continue to carve out a place on the African basketball stage. Fans can expect a thrilling and competitive performance from the Bright Starlets as they aim to take the next step in their development.
The Tanzanian women’s national basketball team is gearing up for an exciting challenge in the upcoming WBLA Zone 5 pre-qualifiers in Egypt, marking a crucial step in their journey to assert themselves as a rising force in African basketball. It has been 28 years since they last appeared on the continental stage in the 1997 Africa Championship, where they finished eighth. Since then, Tanzania has largely remained on the sidelines of African basketball but is now actively working to change that narrative.
At the helm of the team is Kablolah Shomari, a relatively new face in continental basketball coaching. While Shomari’s experience remains somewhat under the radar, his coaching staff includes assistant coaches Elizabeth Masenyi and Shomari Alimasi, who will support him as they prepare for the challenge in Egypt. Despite the limited public record of their experience, the trio is confident about their prospects for qualification.
However, they face a tough task against established teams with seasoned coaches, including Egypt’s head coach, Ehab El-Afly, whose credentials and experience will undoubtedly present a challenge to Shomari’s side. One major hurdle for Tanzania is the announcement of their final 12-woman roster, which still remains uncertain as of now, adding an element of intrigue as they finalize their lineup.
Tanzania’s national federation has made considerable efforts in recent years to revitalize the country’s basketball structure. This includes investing in the national league, securing sponsorship deals (such as with BetPawaTanzania), and offering financial incentives to players and staff for victories. Additionally, the country has placed an emphasis on youth development, with Tanzanian teams participating in junior competitions such as the U16 AfroBasket, further contributing to the growth of the sport within the nation.
On the court, players like Witness Mapunda (8.2 points per game and 5.6 rebounds), Noella Uwandameno (8.2 points and 5.4 rebounds), Anamary Cyprian (7.2 points and 4.1 rebounds), and Ummul-Kulthum Yussuf (7 points and 3.2 rebounds) stood out during the Zone 5 pre-qualifiers for the WBLA. These players could prove vital to Tanzania’s success in Egypt, given their exposure to continental competition and ability to deliver strong performances under pressure.
With a renewed focus on women’s basketball, Tanzania is determined to turn the page and establish themselves as a competitive force on the African continent. The upcoming pre-qualifiers will be a major test of their progress, as Coach Shomari and his team seek to breathe new life into Tanzanian basketball and challenge the traditional powerhouses in the region.
The Kenyan Lionesses are anticipated to include standout players like Victoria Reynolds and Felmas Koranga, who have showcased exceptional talent in previous competitions. Kenya boasts a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents, contributing to a dynamic and versatile playing style.
The team has occasionally struggled with depth in the bench, which could impact performance during tightly scheduled games. Playcaller, George Mayienga acknowledges that despite two weeks of training, he is still unsure about the availability of some his top players, who are led by several stalwarts from the NCAA, including Felmas Koranga and Madina Okot.
"This is a tough position to be in as most of these players are unavailable for the African competition so we have to fight with the available workforce in the qualifiers.
We are also missing some of the players, like Rose Ouma, who were a key part of the squad in the 2021 qualifiers. With the time we have been accorded to prepare, the process for getting a squad is tougher," said George Mayienga
Burundi's squad is expected to feature talents such as Ines Nezerwa and Bukuru Ingabire, who aim to make a significant impact during the pre-qualifiers.
Their determination and cohesive team play could pose challenges for opponents who may underestimate them early on. While limited exposure to high-level competition may affect their adaptability and strategic execution, it could also work to their advantage. With little to no film available on many of their players, opposing teams may struggle to scout them effectively and prepare accordingly.
The team remains confident as it undergoes rigorous training at the Department of Sport Stadium under the guidance of head coach Arsene Mfuraniza. Despite their inexperience, they will benefit from players competing abroad, aiding their quest for recognition both within the region and across the continent.
Uganda's roster is expected to be without some key players, notably Jannon Otto. According to a statement released by Uganda's basketball governing body, FUBA, Jane Asinde has been appointed captain of the 15-person squad. Notable names such as Claire Lamunu, who has been pivotal in the team's recent performances, are also included.
The team's athleticism and fast-paced style of play can disrupt opponents' strategies and create scoring opportunities. However, consistency has been an issue, with fluctuations in performance during critical moments of games.
Just being out here and learning from people with a little bit of experience and then getting the confidence and knowing that they can play at any level. It's always good to have them around to keep us fit.
"At the moment we have a different squad. We just have to keep building on what we have and trust the coach,"
The experienced trio of Melissa Akulu, Claire Lamunu, and Hope Akello is expected to be at the squad's core moving forward. Hosting the tournament gives Egypt a significant opportunity to leverage familiar conditions and local support.
As a powerhouse, the home nation will aim to assert its dominance and secure qualification with authoritative performances. Meanwhile, countries like Kenya, South Sudan, and Burundi are eager to showcase their growth and challenge established teams, adding an element of unpredictability to the tournament.
The FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2025 Zone 5 Pre-Qualifiers promise an exciting display of basketball talent and competitive spirit. Each team brings unique strengths and faces distinct challenges as they vie for a place in the continental championship. Fans can anticipate a tournament filled with passion, skill, and the unyielding pursuit of victory.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
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