Wheelchair basketball: DRC on the roof of Africa and at the World Cup
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All original articlesDRC won the 2026 Women’s U25 African Championship in wheelchair basketball. This is the first continental title in their history, allowing them to win, at the same time, a historic first qualification for the World Championship.
Congolese wheelchair basketball now dominates the African continent in the women’s category. The Leopards won the 2026 Women’s U25 African Championship, which took place in Kinshasa from March 16 to 20. A historic title allowing him to also qualify for the very first time at the World Championship which will take place in February 2027 in a country that remains to be determined.
Elusive Congolese women
Four countries took part in this competition; these are the DRC, South Africa, Liberia and Kenya. None of these three other countries has been able to stand up to the DRC. Supported by their audience, the Leopards crushed all their opponents with very wide gaps in each match. In the first phase of the competition, DRC defeated Kenya (40-9) before pulverizing Liberia (81-4) and ending this first round with another resounding victory over South Africa (65-3). In the semi-final, DRC made short work of Liberia (99-3) before winning the final against Kenya (60-24).
For the DRC national team coach, Kiper Mulolwa, the strength of the DRC was it's defense.
"We forced our opponents to commit a lot of mistakes and we were also very good in attack with a very good finish. I am very happy for this title, especially for the qualification at the World Cup. We will already very soon begin the preparation to be in shape at the world championship,"
he said.
Honored by the President of the Republic
After their consecration, the Ladies Leopards were received by the President of the Republic on Monday evening to whom they presented their trophy at a dinner organized in their honor. Proud of their performance, Félix Tshisekedi had the right words to congratulate them.
«Big thanks for what you do. This demonstrates that one does not necessarily need to have all the physical abilities to shine and you, you are the perfect illustration. Thanks to you, we will still talk about the DRC under a beautiful image,"
he said. In addition, a presidential bonus was given to them as an encouragement.