Thunder bank on home support to qualify for BAL 2025

Abdoulaye Harouna of Nairobi City Thunder throw ball into net against MBB Blue Soldiers during their Basketball Africa League Elite 16 tournament at Nyayo Gymnasium Thursday. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

After a promising start to the Road to Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025 East Division Elite 16 contest, Nairobi City Thunder are keen to keep their supporters on toes as the tournament progresses.

Thunder, who are looking to become the first Kenyan club to feature at Africa's men's premier basketball competition, are banking on home support to realise their BAL dream.

Thunder shooting guard Abdoulaye Harouna urged Kenyans to walk the journey with them as they carry the hopes of the entire nation.

"We are committed to this course because no Kenyan team has ever qualified for BAL. Playing at home gives us an edge over our opponents only if Kenyans turn up in large numbers and walk step by step with us," Harouna said.

Team coach Bradley Ibs exuded confidence saying that he has depth in his squad.

"I was not surprised when we won our first match because we were ready for the challenge. We are in high spirits, everybody is happy because we all get to contribute," Ibs said.

Thunder began their campaign on a high by thrashing South Africa's MBB Soldiers 102-59 in their opening Group A tie on Thursday night. They shook off a slow start which had seen their guests take an 8-0 lead before they regained their footing through captain Tylor Ongwae who scored five quick points to reduce the deficit to three points.

An impressive show from Harouna, who is among the most experienced players on the Thunder roster, would see Thunder recover from their shaky start to take charge of the game. He anchored the homeboys to victory with 18 points with Garang Diing sinking 16 while Albert Odero and Kennedy Wachira scored 15 points each. Neo Mothiba top scored for MBB with 14 points.