NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 3 – The Moi Sports Centre Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium was a theatre of celebration late into Monday night, as Nairobi City Thunder made history, becoming the first ever Kenyan team to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Thunder edged out Uganda’s City Oilers 72-62 in a thrilling semi-final to book onbe of two available tickets in their conference, and edge themselves into the top eight in Africa.
Speaking after the game, the players were thrilled with the achievement. Point guard Uchenna Iroegbu, who joined Thunder at the start of their East Division qualifiers was over the moon.
“This feels amazing. I can’t describe how I am feeling, we made it infront of our home fans. First time in Kenya’s history and first time in the organization’s history. I said it from day one that this team had the ability to make history. We were locked in from game one and we have made history tonight,” said the Nigerian-American guard, nicknamed UC.
His sentiments were shared by Albert Odero, who has been part of the team since the start of the last domestic season, and was named MVP in the league as Thunder won unbeaten. Odero says it is more like a dream come true for him and the side to qualify.
“I can’t put to words how much this means to us and we are delighted as a team to have achieved this. We sacrificed a lot; everyone in the team sacrificed so much to achieve this,” Odero said.
To achieve the feat, Thunder went full throttle to strengthen their team. They added on three internatioinals, Uchenna, Nigerien Harouna Abdoulaye and Lebanse Ater Majok who is of South Sudanese origin.
Majok was in his element in the final game against Oilers where he chalked an impressive double double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Speaking to Telecomasia.net in a separate interview, Majok was elated.
“This is why I came here. I came here to help the organization make history for Kenyan basketball by qualifying for the BAL. We have done it and I am so proud of the effort we have put. We have been locked in straight from the first game till now where we on a crucial game, and I am glad I came here,” Majok, who had been hunted down by several clubs across the continent told Telecomasia.net in an exclusive interview.
Thunder will now face off with Cape Verde’s Kriol Stars in the final on Tuesday night, a match for pride and a trophy.
