Three-time Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League champions Nairobi City Thunder have set their sights on the Basketball Africa League trophy after winning domestic titles in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Head coach Brad Ibs and general manager Kooshin Diriye outlined the club's continental ambitions on Citizen TV's Sporty Monday.
Thunder became the first Kenyan club to qualify for the BAL, though their first two campaigns exposed the gap between domestic competition and Africa's elite clubs. Ibs said the experience has served as a reality check against sides with bigger budgets, deeper squads and greater access to international talent.
"We'd really love some hardware from the BAL this coming season. That is our main focus now," Ibs said, adding: "It's a great mirror for us to just look at ourselves and not become too overconfident with local success."
The coach also pointed to the need for stronger domestic competition, citing Rwanda where top sides regularly compete at a high level in preparation for continental play.
Off the court, Diriye revealed that players have been shifted into full-time professional roles so they can focus on basketball rather than balancing the sport with other employment. "If a player has to think about feeding his family and all of that other stuff, that's going to be a big problem," he said.
The club is investing in young Kenyan players under 21 and plans to build a dedicated Thunder facility, reducing reliance on Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani.
