Nairobi City Thunder head coach Bradley Ibs has reaffirmed the team’s bold ambition of becoming one of Africa’s basketball powerhouses as they gear up for their maiden appearance in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Thunder will compete in the Nile Conference set for May 17–25 in Kigali, Rwanda. Drawn into a manageable group, the Kenyan champions will square off against BAL debutants Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya, South Africa’s Made by Basketball (MBB) and Rwanda’s seasoned outfit, Armee Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball (APR).
Thunder booked their historic BAL spot in style, outclassing Cape Verde’s KPA-backed Kriol Stars 99-86 in the East Division final at Kasarani Indoor Arena in December.
With just weeks to tip-off, Ibs underlined the team's hunger and competitive fire.
"The competition is what motivates us; we want to be at the top and be one of the best basketball teams in Africa," Ibs said.
Thunder will be flying their country’s flag on this stage for the first time in the competition's history.
Meanwhile, APR bring valuable group-stage experience from last season, making them the most seasoned outfit in the pool. Ibs acknowledged the challenge ahead and revealed the team is already deep into scouting mode.
“We have been analysing our opponents closely, we are learning their systems, their threats. That knowledge is key to neutralising their attacks,” he said.
The coach further confirmed that the full squad is already in camp and training has intensified. "We like the team we have, everyone is in camp as we prepare to make our debut in the next couple of weeks."
Thunder are currently undefeated in the ongoing KBF League, a streak that has further sharpened their edge.
"I think the boys are committed to winning, and that feeds into our mentality. When we step on the floor, the expectation is to win, and the boys take that seriously," he added.
He highlighted the internal competition brewing between local stars and recruits.
“The new signings have raised the bar. Our homegrown players are responding well, they are pushing harder, fighting for their spots, and that’s exactly what we wanted,” he added.
Reinforcing the squad ahead of the BAL was strategic. “It’s standard practice when teams head to BAL, they bolster their rosters. We have brought in talent to help us compete at the highest level and sharpen our core group,” he explained.
With the league and BAL timelines overlapping, Ibs hinted at the possibility of rotating his key players to manage workload.
“We might rest some key guys during KBF games, but they’re all hungry to play. It’s about finding that balance between resting them, but keeping them sharp for the big stage,” he noted.
