Nairobi City Thunder

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Nairobi City Thunder
Nairobi City Thunder logo.png
League KBF Premier League
ArenaNyayo Gymnasium
Location Nairobi, Kenya
Team coloursDark Navy, Orange and White
   
CEOColin Rasmussen
General manager Stephen Domingo
Head coachBrad Ibs
OwnershipTwende Sports Limited
Championships1 (2024)

The Nairobi City Thunder are a Kenyan professional basketball team based in the Shauri Moyo neighborhood of Nairobi. They play in the KBF Premier League, the top flight division of men's basketball in the country. Home games of the Thunder are played at the Nyayo Gymnasium. The Thunder won their first national title in 2024.

Contents

History

The Thunder had been playing in the KBF Premier League for many years, and reached the finals of the league for the first time in 1999. Their second finals appearance would be 30 years later, in 2019. [1]

In 2023, the team was acquired by Twende Sports Limited, founded by American entrepreneur Colin Rasmussen and ex-player Stephen Domingo. [2] Following the transaction, they transferred the club to a professional organization as the first basketball team in Kenya to have fully professionals. [2] The acquisition gave the team financial injections with the goal of establishing an elite basketball club and youth program. [3] The Thunder hired Brad Ibs as their head coach for the 2023–24 season, and acquired several Premier League star players. [4]

The Thunder won their first national championship on 20 July 2024, when they defeated KPA in the finals of the 2023–24 season. [5] [6] Thunder players Griffin Ligare and Albert Odero were named the league's playoffs MVP, and season MVP, respectively. [5]

In the 2024 offseason, the Thunder signed Tylor Ongwae, who joined the team after playing nine seasons in Europe. [7]

Head coaches

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References

  1. ↑ Olobulu, Timothy (21 July 2024). "IN PICTURES: How Thunder struck down KPA for first ever league title". Capital Sports. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  2. 1 2 Lehohla, Manyehlisa (27 March 2024). "Thunder rocking Kenya and eyeing continental participation". The Big Tip Off. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  3. ↑ "Eyes on KBF title as Thunder unveil star-studded squad | MozzartSportKe". www.mozzartsport.co.ke. 9 September 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  4. ↑ Kamuya, Ng'arua (5 January 2024). "Thunder is a shining example for potential sports investors". Nation. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  5. 1 2 "City Thunder crowned basketball champions after sweep against KPA". Citizen Digital. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  6. ↑ Olobulu, Timothy (20 July 2024). "INVINCIBLES! – Stylish Thunder strike down KPA to clinch first ever league title". Capital Sports. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  7. ↑ Malwa, Charlene (21 August 2024). "Thunder sign Kenyan star Ongwae ahead of title defence". The Star (Kenya) . Retrieved 22 August 2024.


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