Who are the Nairobi City Thunder?
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 03.12.24. | 10:16
Established in 1998 by retired coach Faustin Mgendi, it existed initially as a Corporate team under National Social Security Fund (NSSF), winning the league in 2000
December 2 2024 will forever be etched in Kenya basketball history books as Nairobi City Thunder beat Uganda's City Oilers in the semi final of the East Division Elite 16 72-62 to become the country's first side to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Previous editions have seen former champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Ulinzi Warriors falter in the Elite 16, with none reaching the crucial semis stage where the winners bag a direct ticket.
Cheered on by an enthusiastic sixth man at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, the Bradley Ibs-coached men got the job done against the only side in this year's East Division with BAL experience, having featured in the last two editions, getting eliminated at the Conference level.
Mozzart Sport sought to understand the journey the team, that has had at least two identity changes since inception, has been on en route to qualification.
Established in 1998 by retired coach Faustin Mgendi, it existed initially as a Corporate team under National Social Security Fund (NSSF), winning the league in 2000.
In 2003 the team rebranded to International Christian Center after landing the Kenyan church as a new sponsor, a deal that ran for seven years until 2010. They competed as a self-sponsored side until 2023 when Twende Sports acquired the club, and they recruited heavily going on to win their maiden title as Nairobi City Thunder.
The Bradley Ibs-coached side made their debut in the Road to BAL East Division Group D, finishing second behind Burundi's Urunani in the five-team competition held in Kibaha, Tanzania.
The Tylor Ongwae captained side won three of four matches against Seychelles Beau Vallon Heat (89-58), Madagascar's GNBC (96-60) and hosts JKT (86-63), going down 89-88 to Urunani for the second place finish.
On their debut in the Elite 16, Ibs charges remained perfect in the group stage, beating Kriol Star, who picked the other ticket to BAL 2025 from Nairobi, in the opening match before dispensing MBB Blue Soldiers from South Africa and Malawi's Bravehearts to qualify for the all-important semis.
The side plays the Islanders who beat favourites Urunani at 8.30 PM in the final.
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