L. MathekaEyes on KBF title as Thunder unveil star-studded squad
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 09.09.23. | 22:40
The new-look Thunder open their campaign on Sunday against varsity side ANU Wolfpacks.
Coach Sadat Gaya who will now serve as the new-look Nairobi City Thunder’s assistant coach says the team is anticipating a tough season even as they look to be the only team standing at the end of the season.
On Friday, 8 September, the formerly Shauri Moyo-based side unveiled a star-studded squad as well as a statement of partnership with Twende Sports for an undisclosed period.
According to a press release, Twende Sports aims to promote the growth of basketball in Kenya by establishing an elite basketball club complimented by a youth basketball development program.
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“We imagine sports evolving from being popularly viewed as purely a social, non-profit activity to a sustainable business opportunity and source of meaningful employment. We recognize the depth of talent in the region and believe there is high demand for sporting entertainment in Nairobi and beyond,” the statement read in part.
As far as establishing an elite club, Thunder have gone all out in signing some of the best talents the local league could offer, top of the list being national team players Fidel Okoth and Ken Wachira who plied their trade in Oman and Burundi respectively last season.
Other notable signings include James Mwangi who has played for Equity Dumas, Ulinzi Warriors and Kenya Ports Authority in the last four seasons. Also, in the squad is the USIU duo of Larry Shavanga and Ariel Ortega who helped the varsity side regain their top-tier status last season.
Daril Omondi and Garang Ding add to the side’s depth having ditched Strathmore Blades for the 2019 league runners-up. Kenya Moran’s Faheem Juma also makes a comeback to the side that introduced him to top tier basketball after a stint with dumas.
The team will still be captained by the experienced Griffin Ligare who has played all his club basketball with Thunder.
“We are a group of basketball fanatics who believe in the power of the game to transform lives and create opportunities for young people on and off the court. We are excited to take our team to the next level,” says Colin Rasmussen, Twende Sports’ CEO/Founder.
Thunder founder, Faustin Mwanyolo Mgendi adds that Twende’s vision aligned with his as they want to focus on quality and community.
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“We are trying to change basketball from amateur to professional and create a team that can compete not just in the local basketball scene but also in the continental basketball scene,” Ligare offered.
The side open their 2023/24 campaign with a clash against Africa Nazarene University (ANU) on Sunday 10 September at Nyayo indoor gymnasium, a match Gaya says they will look to get a positive start from.
“Obviously, it will take more time for the squad to gel but a good start is paramount. We cannot judge ourselves with the opening match but we will chase consistency from the get go as we look to be the only team standing at the conclusion of the season,” Gaya said.
