Challenging moments during the 2024/2025 season helped bring out the best in reigning Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League champions Nairobi City Thunder.
Thunder are on the verge of a historic victory as they lead former champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 2-0 in the best-of-five Premier League series heading into game three on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Whether the Dockers will ruin the party of City Thunder is yet to be known as the coastal lads take a journey to Nairobi, hoping to turn the tables on the champions.
City Thunder are right into the second season unbeaten, both in regular and knock-out play-offs.
They were sublime in their execution to strike the Dockers twice at their Makende Gymnasium, 81-47 in game one, before completing a brace 93-79 in game two.
“You see, the challenges we faced this season helped us prepare well…it was like not like any other season,” said Thunder coach Bradley Ibs.
Part of the action between Nairobi City Thunder and Al Ahli Tripoli at the BK Arena on May 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Pool / BAL
He noted that, unlike the previous season, where they focused on the national league only, his players face the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and national team assessment.
However, KPA coach Sammy Kiki said his team still has a chance and that they will battle to the end.
Ibs said some of his players and members of the team’s management lost their loved ones, forcing them to be meticulous in their planning.
However, Ibs warned his players not to sleep on their laurels, hence they must stay focused to finish the job on Saturday in a clash that starts at 6pm at the Nyayo Stadium. Thunder won the 2024 KBF League unbeaten.
Thunder were able to strike in structures that paved the way for professionalism, with players signing contracts. In the process, the side has been able to lure quality players.
“I am happy the team is playing the right style and for sure, if we stick to that, then a double is in the offing,” said Ibs, adding that they are focused on making it to the BAL final play-off next season after reaching the Conference stage for the first time this year.
City Thunder point guard Griffin Ligare (right) dribbles for a basket past University of Nairobi "Terror" David Odanga during their Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League match at Ulinzi Complex, Basketball Gymnasium on July 30, 2022.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
City Thunder finished fourth in the Nile Conference behind Al Ahli Tripoli from Libya, APR of Rwanda and South Africa’s MBB, having won the East Division Elite 16 final to qualify for the Conference stage.
There are three Conferences-Nile, Kalahari and Sahara.
Kiki reckoned that City Thunder has been their toughest opponent in the regular season, but hope to stop their offensive transition and rebounds.
"We managed to hold them in that in game two, but they outwitted us on three-pointers. We are planning an all-around game to see if we can pull a victory in their backyard,” said Kiki. “
Meanwhile, former champions KPA Ladies also have one arm on the trophy as they lead Zetech University 2-0. The coastal ladies won game one and game two 49-48 and 54-49 respectively last weekend in Mombasa.
