Nairobi City Thunder team manager Bernet Ojay has revealed they will rest key players for today’s KBF league match against Ulinzi to focus on the BAL Elite 16 qualifiers slated for November 28 to December 3.
Thunder earned their spot in the Elite 16 after finishing second in Group B of the first-round qualifiers with seven points, just behind Burundi’s Urunani.
Ojay emphasised the importance of keeping the team’s core players fresh for the crucial tournament.
“We won’t field our key players against Ulinzi. The players need to stay healthy and sharp for the qualifiers, so they will sit this one out,” Ojay explained.
Instead, Thunder plan to rely heavily on its local lineup for the league clash.
“We will rotate the squad and focus on our local players rather than the international recruits,” Ojay added.
One notable exception is Fidel Okoth, who has been sidelined due to injury but is set to make his return against Ulinzi.
“We need Fidel match-fit for the BAL qualifiers, so he’ll feature in the Ulinzi game to help us assess his form,” Ojay revealed.
Ulinzi will approach the contest looking to rebound from last weekend’s 63-54 loss to KPA. This is Thunder’s second league match after beating NBK 104-71 earlier in the month.
Ojay, however, noted that they are focused on good results despite resting their key players.
“We will still be looking to pick up good results on Friday despite resting our key players."
Ojay noted the importance of Thunder securing a decisive victory in the BAL qualifiers as they were on home turf.
“This brings another level of competition and pressure because we will be playing in front of our fans. We are not prepared for any other result other than a win for Thunder,” he said.
Forward Tylor Ongwae highlighted the adjustments the team has made since their first-round campaign to prepare for the high-stakes Elite 16.
“We have worked on correcting mistakes from the first round. Our focus is on strengthening both defence and offence as a unit. Hard defence and cohesive offence will be key to success,” Ongwae explained.
He also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle the competition level, citing their national team experience.
“Many of our players have competed internationally, so we are ready for the intensity,” he said.
Thunder’s first-round journey included a commanding 89-53 win over Seychelles’ Beau Vallon Heat in the first match before suffering a narrow 89-88 loss to Urunani.
They, however, bounced back and closed their campaign with an 86-63 win over JKT of Tanzania.
While Urunani proved fierce opponents, Ongwae stressed that the team’s focus in the second round will be broader.
