Kenya Targets World and Commonwealth Qualification as Wheelchair Basketball Teams Head to Angola

The Kenya Wheelchair Basketball Federation (KWBF) has dispatched teams comprising 12 men and 12 women to Bengo Province in Luanda, Angola, for the 3×3 and 5×5 2026 IWBF Africa Senior Men and Women Wheelchair Basketball Championships.

The tournament serves as a crucial qualifier for both the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships set to take place in Ottawa, Canada.

Speaking on Sunday upon the team’s arrival at the José Armando Sayovo Paralympic Sports Complex pavilion, KWBF president Alfred Simiyu expressed confidence in the squads’ ability to secure qualification spots for the global events.

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"We just had a team that finished with a silver from the just concluded Africa Women's U-25 Championships in DRC. Five of those players are also here to beef up the veterans and for men, we have tried to get a blend of youngsters and experienced stars," quipped Simiyu.

Kenya is among 20 national teams participating in the prestigious continental showdown, which doubles as the official African Championship for senior national teams.

The competition forms a key part of the qualification pathway to the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Ottawa.

The 5×5 championships will run from March 27 to April 4 at the José Armando Sayovo Complex. Winners will secure direct qualification to Ottawa, while second-placed teams will advance to the 2026 Repechage Tournament for another chance to qualify.

Meanwhile, the 3×3 competition kicks off on March 24, with top teams earning direct qualification to the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Kenya’s men will compete against 11 other nations, while the women will face seven teams in pursuit of top honours.

Kenya’s women’s 5×5 squad has been strengthened by five standout players from the U-25 national team that competed in Kinshasa. These include Christine Mutheu, Diana Wabwire, Michelle Yegon, Mary Atieno, and Ashley Autai.

They join experienced players Caroline Wanjira, Phyllis Warioko, Stella Tiyoy, Beth Wanja, Eunice Otieno, and Merceline Anjejo to complete the 12-player roster. The team will be coached by Sarah Libese, assisted by Caroline Adhiambo.

For the 3×3 competition, only four players have been selected: veterans Caroline Wanjira, Phyllis Warioko, and Stella Tiyoy, alongside U-25 rising star Michelle Yegon. The team will be guided by coaches Caroline Adhiambo and Charles Otieno.

On the men’s side, Charles Ogolla will lead the 3×3 squad, which includes captain Ian Kanji, youngster Milton Ilahuya, veteran Itaken Timoi, and Robert Kimotho.

The quartet will also feature in the 5×5 team, alongside Evans Otieno, Haman Odido, James Karanja, Kelvin Ngugi, Supeiyo Koila, Elvis Jowi, Simon Ngugi, and Dennis Ndung’u. The 5×5 side will be coached by Nicholas Ngumbi, assisted by Maurice Ouma.

Ian Kanji will captain the men’s 5×5 team, while Itaken Timoi will lead the 3×3 squad. On the women’s side, Beth Wanja and Caroline Wanjira will captain the 5×5 and 3×3 teams respectively.

With a balanced mix of youth and experience across both squads, Kenya heads into the championships with strong ambitions of securing qualification for both the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships.