Thunder make light work of Blades as BAL preps continue

Nairobi City Thunder’s dominance in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s league continued on Friday 31 January as the Bradley Ibs-led side picked their fifth consecutive win against Strathmore Blades in a one-sided encounter at Nyayo Stadium.

The defending champions, unbeaten since the 2023/24 league season on the local scene, were a cut above the varsity side, seeing them off 88-48.

The side is looking to make it a perfect weekend when they take on newbies Stanbic Shields on Saturday 1 February from 7 pm at the same venue.

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“It has been a good campaign so far and Friday’s game was no different. We are looking to play every game at the same level of competitiveness expected on the continental scene despite the opposition. Against Blades, we had a good start but our energy went down in the second quarter, something that we cannot afford to entertain,” Thunder forward Ariel Okall told Mozzart Sport.

He continued: “We are approaching each match not as favourites, but with a mindset that we have to get our reps right, build a working system and culture and maintain game shape. The chemistry created in these games will ensure a smooth transition for any additions heading to BAL.”

Currently preparing to represent the country at the fifth edition of Africa men’s premier club competition - Basketball Africa League (BAL) - head coach Ibs says his side is focused on stamping authority, yet again, on the local scene, before breaking more barriers continentally.

“The Kenyan-based players are keen to retain our title. We are yet to begin camp for the upcoming BAL but are using the local league as part of our preparations,” Ibs said.

The Kenyan champions finished 8-1 in their Road to BAL campaign to be crowned champions of the Elite 16 East Division, hosted in Nairobi for the first time. They become the first Kenyan side to qualify for BAL after failed attempts by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Ulinzi Warriors.

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“We will bolster the squad with players that fit our identity and team personality when the conferences near,” Ibs revealed when questioned on changes he intends to make for the highly competitive BAL Conferences.

Ibs insists that any new inclusions have to buy into Thunder’s vision and style of play as that will help with cohesion.

The BAL season will begin on 5 April and end on 14 June 2024 with the final. The playoffs and final will be held in Pretoria, South Africa, for the first time.

The Conferences will be hosted in three countries. The Nile Conference is hosted at the Salle Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, Morocco, the Sahara Conference in Dakar Arena, Dakar, Senegal, and the Kalahari Conference at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.

Thunder are yet to learn which Conference they will be drawn in.