The Rise of Nairobi City Thunder: Kenya’s Trailblazers in the Basketball Africa League
In a historic milestone for Kenyan basketball, the Nairobi City Thunder have etched their name in the annals of the sport by becoming the first Kenyan team to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in 2025. Their remarkable journey, marked by an unbeaten run in the 2024 Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL) Premier League, a strategic revamp under new ownership, and standout performances in the 2024 Road to BAL, has not only elevated the team but also put Kenyan basketball on the continental map.
A Storied History in Kenyan Basketball
Founded in 1998 as the NSSF Stars, a corporate team under the National Social Security Fund, Nairobi City Thunder has deep roots in Kenyan basketball. Based in Nairobi’s Shauri Moyo neighborhood, the team quickly made its mark, reaching the KNBL finals in 1999 and clinching their first national title in 2000 under the guidance of founder and coach Faustin Mgendi.
In 2003, the team rebranded as the International Christian Center, reflecting a new sponsorship deal with the church of the same name, which lasted until 2010. For over a decade, the team operated as a self-funded entity, competing consistently but struggling to reclaim their early success. A second KNBL finals appearance in 2019 ended in defeat to the Ulinzi Warriors, underscoring the need for a transformative change.
The Twende Sports Takeover: A Game-Changing Revamp
The turning point for Nairobi City Thunder came in 2023 when Twende Sports Limited, founded by Colin Rasmussen, Sandra Kimokoti, Kush Diriye, and Stephen Domingo, acquired the club. This acquisition marked a seismic shift, transforming the Thunder into Kenya’s first fully professional basketball organization. Twende Sports brought financial stability, professional management, and a vision to create an elite basketball club with a robust youth program. The team hired American coach Brad Ibs, who replaced long-serving coach Sadat Gaya (retained as assistant coach), and bolstered the roster with high-caliber local and international players. Improved contracts, better salaries, and enhanced player welfare attracted top talent, fostering a cohesive and competitive unit.
The revamp paid immediate dividends. In the 2023-24 KNBL Premier League season, the Thunder went unbeaten, finishing atop the 12-team league and dominating the playoffs. They defeated Equity Bank 3-0 in the semifinals and dethroned nine-time champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 3-0 (Best-of-five format) in the finals, winning the decisive game 86-46 at Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium. Players like Griffin Ligare (Playoffs MVP) and Albert Odero (Season MVP) shone brightly, showcasing the team’s newfound depth and professionalism. This historic triumph secured their spot in the 2024 Road to BAL, the qualifying rounds for the BAL.)
Dominance in the 2024 Road to BAL
The Thunder’s debut in continental competition was nothing short of spectacular. In the Road to BAL East Division Group D qualifiers held in Kibaha, Tanzania, from October 15-20, 2024, they posted an impressive 3-1 record, finishing second behind Burundi’s Urunani. Their sole loss was a narrow 89-88 defeat to Urunani.
This performance earned them a ticket to the Elite 16 East Division qualifiers, hosted in Nairobi from November 28 to December 3, 2024, at Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium and Kasarani Indoor Arena.
The Elite 16 stage saw the Thunder elevate their game in front of passionate home crowds. They went 5-0, defeating formidable opponents like Uganda’s City Oilers (72-62) in the semifinals and Cape Verde’s Kriol Star (99-86) in the final. Key moments included Uche Iroegbu’s all-around brilliance (16 points, six assists, five rebounds, four steals) and Ater Majok’s double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds) against City Oilers. Their dominance not only secured their BAL 2025 qualification but also highlighted their readiness to compete with Africa’s elite.
Kenya as a Host: A Testament to Thunder’s Impact
The Thunder’s stellar performances in the Road to BAL played a pivotal role in Kenya being selected to host the Elite 16 East Division qualifiers. Initially slated for Johannesburg, the event was moved to Nairobi, with games split between Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium (2,500 capacity) and Kasarani Indoor Arena (5,000 capacity). The electric atmosphere, with fans packing venues beyond capacity—sometimes exceeding 200% of Nyayo’s seat limit—underscored the growing popularity of basketball in Kenya. The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) and Thunder’s management credited the team’s success and Twende Sports’ professional approach for boosting fan engagement and convincing FIBA to choose Kenya as a host.
Financial Aspects: Sponsorships and Sustainability
Under Twende Sports’ stewardship, Nairobi City Thunder operates as a professionally managed organization with a focus on financial sustainability. The team’s transition to full-time professional contracts has significantly improved player compensation compared to the semi-professional status of most KNBL teams. Reports suggest that top players, including international imports, earn competitive salaries supplemented by performance bonuses, housing, and other benefits, making Thunder an attractive destination for talent.
Sponsorships form the backbone of the team’s financial model. Twende Sports has secured partnerships with corporate entities. The team’s success has drawn interest from potential investors, and their high-profile BAL qualification is likely to attract further sponsorships. Ticket sales, particularly during high-attendance games at Nyayo and Kasarani, also contribute to revenue, with ticket prices ranging from 200 Ksh (regular) to 1,000 Ksh (VVIP). Additionally, livestreaming games on platforms like YouTube has opened avenues for digital monetization.
Nile Conference Fixtures and Playoff Prospects
The Thunder are set to make their BAL debut in the Nile Conference, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from May 17-25, 2025. They are pooled with three formidable opponents: Rwanda’s APR, Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli, and South Africa’s Made By Basketball (MBB). All the latter three are debutants too, making the conference the most unpredictable. Their confirmed fixtures include:
The Nile Conference features a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing directly to the BAL playoffs, and the best third-placed team across all conferences (Nile, Sahara, Kalahari) potentially qualifying as a wildcard. If the Thunder advance, they will face some of the teams from the Kalahari and Sahara Conferences that qualified for the BAL Playoffs, which include US Monasir, Petro De Luanda, Kriol Star, Al Ittihad Alexandria and River Hoopers in the single-elimination playoffs, which culminate in Kigali in June 2025.
Prospects for the Thunder are cautiously optimistic. Coach Brad Ibs emphasizes continuous improvement, and the team’s mix of local and international talent positions them as a dark horse. However, competing against established BAL clubs with deeper rosters and continental experience will be a challenge. Their ability to integrate new signings and maintain their selfless playing style will be critical.
Key Players: Local Stars and International Talent
The Thunder’s roster blends seasoned Kenyan players, many of whom are veterans of the Kenya Morans national team, with high-caliber international recruits. Key players include:
Tylor Ongwae
A dynamic forward and leader, Ongwae’s clutch three-pointers and vocal leadership were instrumental in the BAL qualifiers. He is one of the most accomplished players in Kenya Basketball, having played in the US College Basketball, and in pro teams in Europe as well as the BAL.
Uche Iroegbu
A Nigerian-American guard, Iroegbu’s floor generalship (16 points, six assists vs. City Oilers during the Road to BAL Eastern Division Elite 16 semifinals) and versatility make him a cornerstone. He has played in the US College Basketball as well as in the BAL.
Ater Majok
A 7-foot South Sudanese centre with NBA and the NBA G-League experience (drafted by the LA Lakers in 2011), Majok’s double-doubles and rim protection are vital. He is also a BAL champion and has played in Europe as well.
Griffin Ligare
The 2024 KNBL Playoffs MVP, Ligare’s scoring and defensive tenacity anchor the local core. Having been the Kenya National Basketball team (Kenya Moran’s) captain (aka Kenya 1), he has a lot of experience and is a veteran.
Albert Odero
The 2024 KNBL Season MVP, Odero’s all-around game adds depth.
William Sidney Davis II
An American power forward with NBA G League experience, Davis brings physicality and scoring.
Derrick Ogechi
A 6’3” American born Kenya guard with experience in Highschool basketball in the US and Spain. He is a great scorer who has been a key player in Thunders 2024 run.
Ariel Okall
A 6’9” forward, known for his versatility and impact on both ends of the court. With a career spanning multiple countries, including stints in Algeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Oman, and Burundi, and s key player for Kenya’s national team, the Morans.
Roster
The current roster includes players participating in the BAL 2025. It is important to note that not all players in the team are included, as there are more players who play in the KNBL League too, and that there is a 12 man limit to a BAL team. Other players include Faheem Juma, Larry Shavanga and Ariel Ortega (who have also represented Kenya in the 3×3 tournament at the 2023 Commonwealth Games).
2024 SOYA Awards: Team of the Year
The Thunder’s transformative 2024 season was capped by their recognition as the Men’s Sports Team of the Year at the 2024 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) in Kenya. This accolade, announced on May 5, 2025, celebrated their unbeaten KNBL campaign, BAL qualification, and role in elevating Kenyan basketball’s profile. The award galvanized the team as they prepared for the Nile Conference, with fans and stakeholders rallying behind their continental quest.
Fan Engagement Surge
The Thunder’s success drove a 200% increase in KNBL attendance, with Nyayo Gymnasium often turning away fans due to overcrowding. Their games became cultural events, with the Kasarani crowd famously chanting political slogans post-victory, reflecting their societal impact.
Youth Development
Twende Sports’ vision includes a robust youth program, both male and female, aiming to nurture the next generation of Kenyan basketball stars.
Future Ambitions
Coach Ibs has set their sights on becoming Africa’s best team, a bold goal that underscores their hunger.
U.S. Embassy Recognition
The U.S. Embassy in Kenya celebrated the Thunder’s success, and BAL qualification at a Creative Economy event.
Looking ahead, the Thunder’s BAL debut is a springboard for greater achievements. Their professional model could inspire other Kenyan clubs to adopt similar structures, potentially transforming the KNBL. Success in the Nile Conference could attract more sponsors and talent, cementing their status as a continental powerhouse.
However, challenges remain, including sustaining financial momentum and competing against BAL’s established giants. With their talent, coaching, and fanbase, the Thunder are poised to rumble in Africa and beyond.
Nairobi City Thunder’s rise from a modest KNBL outfit to BAL pioneers is a testament to vision, investment, and talent. As they prepare to face Africa’s elite in Kigali, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to see Kenyan basketball soar. The Thunder have already made history; now, they aim to make waves on the continental stage.
The team is scheduled to depart for Kigali in two days, on Wednesday, May 14 2025 as they prepare for their first BAL Season 5 game on Saturday, May 17 2025 Vs Rwanda’s APR at 6.30pm EAT.
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