Nairobi City Thunder open Elite 16 campaign against Namuwongo Blazers
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 18.11.25. | 09:28
The squad has been dealt a blow as key forward, South Sudan’s Garang Ding, one of the standout players in last year’s competition, is romoured to have picked up an injury that will see him sit out the six-day competition
Coach Bradley Ibs says Nairobi City Thunder (NCT) is well prepared to take on the challenge as the Road to BAL (Basketball Africa League) East Division Elite 16 gets underway on Tuesday, 18 November, at Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium.
The Kenyan league champions are hosting the qualifiers for the second year in a row, with hopes of making back-to-back appearances in the premier continental club competition.
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NCT have been pooled against South Africa's Johannesburg Giants, and Uganda's Namuwongo Blazers in Group A, playing their opening match on Tuesday against the latter, a side fresh from lifting the Ugandan title.
“We are expecting competitive basketball, and playing at home means a lot, as it is an advantage. Last year, we had massive support, and the fanbase has continued to increase. We expect a great turnout and a good performance. We have added good players who have seamlessly plugged into the Thunder culture. Ater Majok and Lance Thomas gives us a big interior presence. Chase Adams is dynamic and is a willing playmaker who brings a lot of energy to the court,” coach Ibs said on the eve of the tournament.
The Ibs-coached side made their BAL debut last year as the Elite 16 East Division champions, playing for a 1-5 record to miss out on the BAL playoffs.
Unlike last year, when they had to go through the Road to BAL Group Phase, the Kenyan champions were handed a direct ticket to this year's Elite 16 as hosts.
Ibs says his side has unfinished business in the championship and believes his squad is well prepared for the level of competition expected throughout the week.
“With the experience, the rest of the squad picked in Rwanda during the BAL 2025 Nile Conference has helped us. Since that time, we have grown, and our chemistry has gotten better. Our guys had a great experience on that stage, and having realized that they belong there and could contribute at a high level, that gave them a sense of confidence, and that gives us an edge,” Ibs added.
The squad has, however, been dealt a blow, as key forward, South Sudan’s Garang Ding, one of the standout players in last year’s competition, is romoured to have picked up an injury that will see him sit out the six-day competition.
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NCT face a Blazers' side under coach Stephen Nyeko, a side that is making its Elite 16 debut, but with an experienced squad.
Playing in Group D hosted in Dar es Salaam, the side fell to hosts Dar City 83-70 but redeemed themselves with a massive 132-58 victory against Djabal.
Blazers have their foot soldiers led by Ugandan international Peter Obleng, the star of the show, as the side obliterated Comoros' Djabal 132-58, scoring 39, to advance to the Elite 16.
Jovan Mooring, who turned out for South African side MBB last season, joins the Ugandan side, as does Senegalese Center, Mohammed Sidy Djitte, adding to the depth on both sides of the court.
Meanwhile, Tony Drileba, who coached the side in Dar es Salaam in the Group Phase, is back on the team roster, having led the side to national glory last week.
