Road to BAL: Thunder coach preaching caution as Elite 16 match schedule is released

Nairobi City Thunder, making their debut in the Elite 16 Road to Basketball Africa League (BAL), have their work cut out as they look to make history for Kenya, becoming the first side to qualify for the premier continental men’s club basketball.

Placed in Group A, the Bradley Ibs-coached side are opening their campaign on Thursday 28 November with a clash against South African champions MBB Blue Soldiers and the tactician has called on his charges to trust the process and “take it one match at a time”.

The eight-team competition is pencilled for Thursday through to Tuesday 3 December at Nyayo Gymnasium and Kasarani Indoor Arena. 

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“The opening two days of action will be at Nyayo Gymnasium due to the unavailability of Kasarani on Thursday and Friday with action moving to the latter on the weekend through to Tuesday,” a source privy to the organization revealed to Mozzart Sport.

The American tactician says the draw has elicited different reactions but his side will give each opponent the attention they deserve as they work their way to the ultimate prize, qualification.

“We would love to qualify as the East Division champions of course but we know we have four matches before then against equally good sides and we have to respect them and prepare well.

The draw cleared the uncertainty we had and now the focus is on the path we need to take to achieve our goal,” the tactician told Mozzart Sport.

Coach Ibs admits that playing at home is a morale boost for his charges but was quick to call on his troops not to be complacent.

“We have a good squad that has experienced players at this level and they recognize the process we need to go through to qualify.

Naming the final 12 has been a balancing act as we had to create a competitive advantage by having players that give the team the best chance of qualifying.

That means having go-to people both defensively and offensively with utility players considered too as we look to showcase what Kenyan basketball has to offer.”

South African champions MBB are Thunder’s first test. The Cyril Shabalala-coached side is led by former South African national team captain Neo Mothiba, the 42-year-old experience expected to propel the debutants in their quest for qualification.

Another key player for the side will be Lebesa Selepe who is well-versed on this journey of the Road to BAL.

He played in three successful qualifying campaigns with the Cape Town Tigers and will be keen to lead his new side to glory as they look to feature in BAL, whose final will be hosted on home soil.