Nairobi City Thunder Maintain Unbeaten KBF League Run
Nairobi City Thunder maintained their unbeaten run in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) League after securing a commanding 90-50 victory over Umoja Basketball at the Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday night.
City Thunder, who are under a KES 10 million sponsorship by I&M Bank this season, took control from the opening quarter, leading 22-16 before producing a dominant second quarter in which they limited Umoja to just four points to take a 40-20 lead into halftime. They continued to pull away after the break, scoring 26 points in the third quarter and 24 in the fourth to seal a 40-point victory.
Derrick Ogechi and Tylor Ongwae led the scoring for City Thunder with 16 points each, while Garang Diing added 15. Tom 'Bush' Wamukota made his presence felt on the boards, finishing with a game-high 13 rebounds, including 10 defensive rebounds.
Thunder now have two regular-season games remaining this weekend as they target a perfect finish for a third season consecutive season. They face Strathmore Blades on Friday, August 21, before taking on Eldonets on Sunday, August 23 at 8 PM, both matches being played at Nyayo Stadium.
Head Coach Brad Ibs acknowledged that the game presented a challenge to his side but praised the players for responding with the intensity and discipline required.
“It was a tough game, but the players rose to the occasion. We knew we had to come out with the right energy and stay focused, and I was pleased with the way the guys responded. We executed well and kept our intensity throughout the game.”
With the playoffs approaching, Ibs said the team's attention is now on completing the regular season strongly while building momentum for the play-offs.
“We have two games left and, of course, finishing the third season unbeaten is something we want. But we are also looking at the bigger picture. The playoffs are what we have been working towards, so we want to use these last two games to sharpen up, stay healthy and make sure we are ready for that stage.”
Ibs also spoke highly of the partnership between Nairobi City Thunder and I&M Bank, particularly the financial literacy sessions that have been introduced for the players.
“The financial literacy sessions have been very helpful to the players. Basketball is our profession, but there is a lot that comes with being a professional athlete, especially understanding how to manage what you earn and plan. I&M has given the players useful knowledge and tools that they can apply both during and after their basketball careers.”
Wamukota echoed his coach's assessment of the game, saying the team's ability to respond to the challenge was key to securing the victory.
“It was a tough game, but we came together as a team and rose to the occasion. We stayed focused, played our basketball and got the result. Now we have two more games this weekend and we want to finish the regular season strongly.”
The defending champions' centre also highlighted the practical impact of the I&M Bank partnership on the players, saying it has helped streamline important aspects of their day-to-day operations.
“The partnership has made things very seamless for us as players. When you know that things like medical, physiotherapy, salaries and other important areas are being taken care of by the club, you can concentrate more on basketball. That support gives us peace of mind and allows us to focus on performing.”
Further, Wamukota said the team's unbeaten run has strengthened their confidence ahead of the playoffs.
“We want to keep the momentum going. Going unbeaten through the regular season would be a big achievement for the team, but we know the playoffs are a different challenge. We are looking forward to them and we want to make sure we go into the playoffs in the best possible shape.”
Wednesday victory marked another strong showing for a side that has remained unbeaten in the KBF League, with the team now focused on Strathmore Blades and Eldonets before turning their full attention to the playoffs.