Nairobi City Thunder has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term growth and competitiveness after falling short of securing a place in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs.
The Kenyan side, which qualified for the BAL for the second consecutive year, described the milestone as a significant step in its journey to establishing itself among Africa’s elite basketball clubs.
However, the club admitted that its performance at the Kalahari Conference did not meet expectations, with the primary target being qualification for the playoffs set for May in Kigali.
Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic, noting that competing against some of the continent’s most established sides is part of a broader vision to build a sustainable and world-class basketball program.
“Experiences such as these are critical in shaping our growth,” the club said in a statement, adding that it is returning to Nairobi with renewed focus and a clear sense of purpose.
The team emphasized its commitment to its core values of discipline, teamwork, and excellence, pledging continuous improvement ahead of future BAL campaigns.
The club also confirmed that player Albert “Kenya Airways” Odero sustained an Achilles tendon injury during the tournament.
He has since undergone successful surgery and is back in Nairobi, where he is recovering in good spirits. The team pledged full support as he begins his rehabilitation journey.
Nairobi City Thunder further lauded its players and technical staff for their dedication and professionalism throughout the competition, crediting them for driving the club’s ambitions forward while inspiring emerging basketball talent in Kenya.
The club also expressed gratitude to its sponsors and partners, including Mkopa, Nexford University, SendAPP, USN, Sarova, Afrospor, Amache, Workstyle, and TenX Nutrition, for their continued support in enabling the team to compete at the highest level.
Fans were not left out, with the club thanking supporters both locally and across the region for their unwavering backing.
With the BAL campaign behind them, Nairobi City Thunder now shifts focus to domestic competitions and the next phase of the season, as they look to build momentum on home soil and strengthen their bid for future continental success.
