Magic Stormers reinvent themselves ahead of WBLA Zone 5 Qualifiers

Uganda’s Magic Stormers have reloaded for regional glory, overhauling their roster with elite talent as they gear up for the 2025 FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone 5 Qualifiers, scheduled for November 9–15 at Nairobi’s Nyayo Gymnasium.

Magic Stormers haven’t previously participated in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championship, so 2025 WBLA Zone 5 Qualifiers will be their first and they have signaled serious intent by landing some of Uganda’s most decorated players. 

Leading the new signings are JKL Lady Dolphins trio Hope Akello, Zainah Lokwameri (their former player), and Ruth Letaru, whose championship experience and leadership will anchor the Stormers’ charge.

Head coach John Omondi has also brought in reinforcements from across the league. 

Christine Namyalo joins from UPDF Lady Tomahawks, while Sylvia Nakituuka and Zoe Atek arrive from UCU Lady Canons, adding shooting depth and versatility. 

The team’s youthful spark comes from Shiprah Kiranda of Kibuli SS, a promising forward already turning heads.

The Stormers are drawn in a tough Group A alongside Rwanda’s REG BBC, Burundi’s Gladiators, Kenya’s Zetech Sparks, and Tanzania’s DB Lioness. 

Group B features Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Rwanda’s APR WBBC, and Tanzania’s Fox Divas. 

Only the top two from each group will progress to the WBLA final round, the gateway to Africa’s top women’s basketball stage.

Uganda has a proud Zone 5 legacy, with Lady Bucks (2004) and JKL Lady Dolphins (2019) among past champions. In recent years, JKL carried the flag but narrowly missed continental qualification.