Champions Nairobi City Thunder have turned their focus on the Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League, with head coach Brad Ibs emphasising the need for cohesion after a season of highlevel competition.
“It’s a new season for us. We are happy with what we achieved last year. Being the first men’s team to go undefeated in the regular season and playoffs was a big accomplishment,” said Ibs.
“This year has been a lot different, with the opportunity to play Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers in Kenya and Tanzania and then the Elite-16 here in Nairobi.”
Thunder made history as the first Kenyan club to qualify for the BAL, achieving the feat on their debut in the Road to BAL.
The exposure has seen the team integrate highlevel foreign professionals, a move Ibs acknowledged has presented challenges in continuity.
“We do not have the same level of cohesion we had last year. We’ve had to integrate players for shortterm opportunities at different points. While it’s been beneficial for our players to compete in top-level competition, our primary competitive focus is now the Premier League,” he noted.
“We are focusing on getting better every day, training hard and maximising our sessions. I’d be lying if I said we are looking for another undefeated season. I think it’s within reach but we preach humility and respect for our opponents.”
Thunder remain wary of familiar rivals, Ulinzi, KPA and an emerging Umoja side — made of former Equity players — expected to provide tough competition. University sides such as Strathmore and USIU, who traditionally improve as the season progresses, are also on their radar