Kenya’s wheelchair tennis team has set its sights firmly on qualification for the 2026 BNP Paribas World Team Cup, as it prepares to compete at the African BNP Paribas World Team Cup Qualifiers scheduled for March 30 to April 3, 2026, in Morocco.

Speaking on March 24 ahead of the team’s departure, national coach Lawrence Karanja expressed confidence in the squad, highlighting a blend of experienced players and emerging talent.

“For me, it’s an exciting team to travel with this year, especially because we have new and upcoming players who will be exposed to good competition,” said Karanja. “The chances of us qualifying for the World Team Cup are very high, considering the high-ranked players we have.”

Karanja estimated Kenya’s qualification chances at 90 percent for the women’s team and 70 percent for the men’s team, based on recent training performances. He added that while the exact number of competing nations remains uncertain, Kenya’s strong showing in previous editions gives the team an edge.

The eight-player squad features Rajab Abdala, Moses Fondo, Daniel Kavo and John Wambua in the men’s category, while Jane Ndenga, Phoebe Masika, Maureen Akoth and Penina Wanza will represent the country in the women’s division.

Team Kenya officially received the national flag on March 24, 2026, during a ceremony presided over by Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Elijah Mwangi, at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi. Mwangi urged the players to “go out there and conquer Africa,” expressing confidence in their ability to deliver strong results.

Among those leading Kenya’s charge is Rajab Abdala, currently ranked 219th in the world, his career-best ranking. The 2013 tennis convert is making his second consecutive appearance in Morocco and is determined to improve on last year’s quarter-final finish.

“My goal is to qualify for the World Team Cup and gain ranking points. It’s very important,” Abdala said.

“It will be a difficult tournament, but I believe I can get good results.”

On the women’s side, experienced player Phoebe Masika emphasized the team’s preparation and determination. The squad has been in training since November 2025 following a competitive season that included tournaments in September and October.

“To be honest, I can’t have an excuse because we have trained,” Masika said. “With the support of Tennis Kenya, we’ve had access to facilities and everything we need.”

Masika, who has been in the sport for 14 years, is aiming to improve on recent podium finishes. Kenya’s women secured bronze in 2025 and silver in 2024, and she believes the team is now ready to challenge for gold.

“My target is to represent Kenya well and come back with a medal,” she added. “This time, with the training we’ve had, we are hoping for gold.”

She also credited coach Karanja and her doubles partner Jane Ndenga as key influences in her career.

With a strong mix of experience, preparation, and ambition, Team Kenya heads to Morocco hopeful of securing qualification for the prestigious World Team Cup and continuing its upward trajectory in African wheelchair tennis.

The flag-hand over ceremony was also attended by Tennis Kenya officials, including president Wanjiru Mbugua-KarNi, and officials from the Ministry of Sport  and Kenya National Sports Council, among others.