Coach Ibs opens up on landing Majok, Harouna signatures
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 19.11.24. | 14:04
The experienced duo has played in all four editions of BAL
As Nairobi City Thunder (NCT) continue their preparations for the Road to BAL (Basketball Africa League) Elite 16, expectations are high for the side to make history.
NCT are looking to become the first Kenyan side to make it to the premier African men's club competition, BAL, now in its fifth edition.
The Elite 16 is the final qualifying stage where the Bradley Ibs-coached Kenyan champions will take on eight other teams for a place in BAL 2025.
After booking their ticket to the Elite 16, the side has roped in the sought-after duo of Nigerien Abdoulaye Harouna and South Sudanese-born Lebanese international James Ater Majok, with leading scorer from the Group Phase played in Kibaha, Tanzania William Sydney Davis II, who picked an injury then, unavailable.
"We are trying to grow together as a team each day. Again we have some new players and so it feels like the third or fourth time we have to regroup. It is always challenging both in terms of how we try to orchestrate things to the strengths of our players but also personality differences," Ibs opened up in an interview with Mozzart Sport.
The inclusion of the experienced duo, who have been on the BAL stage in all four editions held, adds to Ibs' squad depth.
Majok won the trophy with US Monastir in 2022 while Nigerien International Harouna, who led steals in the 2024 season, going on to be named in the All-BAL Defensive First Team and the competition's All-Second Team despite his side being eliminated in the quarters.
"They have helped to bring a high level of competition and are helping with some of our younger players, especially on what to expect. The level of excellence and execution feels really high right now," Ibs offered, asked about the duo's impact.
He added, "Having them gives us more playmakers and more veteran leadership. In crunch situations, we are more confident that guys will make the right decision so this is a huge boost."
With the Elite 16 East Division, initially scheduled for 12 November now moved to the end of the month, the tactician says it is a tricky balancing act keeping the team engaged as they need a high level of competition to stay in shape.
"The wait and uncertainty on one hand is a positive as it gives us the chance to gel and grow. However, guys are eager to compete and we do not have great availability of other games that we can face similar competition. We are doing a lot of beating each other in training, but sometimes it is nicer to do that against someone wearing a different colour jersey.
However, it is not hard to keep these players grounded and focused. They are staying engaged and we are creating opportunities for them to make those extra shots. Physio and ice baths are helping them stay fresh as the championship nears," Ibs added.
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