The Kenyan basketball giants, Nairobi City Thunder, are set to make their debut in the Basketball Africa League,BAL, which will run from May 17 to May 25 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The reigning Kenyan Basketball League Champions Thunder are pooled in Nile Conference along side APR,Al Ahly and MBB.
Thunder earned their place in the tournament after dominating the East Division, defeating Kriol Star with a commanding 99-86 win in the Elite 16 Finals held at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi last December.
Under the guidance of head coach Bradley Ibs, Thunder will be looking to carry forward their impressive form and aim for a spot in the playoffs in Pretoria next month.
Coach Brad Ibs shared his optimism, emphasizing focus and teamwork. “Representing Kenya in BAL is a huge honor. Maintaining solid defense, sharp attacking, and strong team unity will be key. We respect all teams in our group and will approach every game with determination.”
The team’s journey begins with crucial matchups against rivals APR from Rwanda, newcomers Al Ahli Tripoli from Libya who won the West Division undefeated and Made by Basketball ,MBB, from South Africa, who secured a wildcard entry.
Following action-packed phases in Rabat, Morocco, and Dakar, Senegal, the Nile Conference marks the crucial final group stage, with teams vying for coveted playoff spots in Pretoria, South Africa.
Amadou Gallo Fall expressed confidence in Nairobi City Thunder’s impact on Kenyan basketball. “Introducing a new franchise from a fresh country is a sign of growth,” he noted. “I witnessed their performance during the BAL qualifiers in Nairobi. It’s encouraging to see the ownership’s commitment to basketball development in Kenya.”
He continued, “The owners set out with a clear goal to compete in the BAL this season, and I applaud their vision. It’s exciting to see local young talent stepping onto this stage. These teams bring their best, which will undoubtedly attract fans.”
The group stage will feature a 12-game round-robin format, where each team will play the others twice, with only the top two teams advancing to the playoffs.
.
