- Here are the five key takeaways from Nairobi City Thunder’s participation in the BAL 2026 Kalahari Conference in South Africa.
- Thunder finished fifth with a 2–3 record and narrowly missed out on the BAL playoffs next month in Rwanda due to a head-to-head tiebreaker against Dar City.
- The fan experience for Nairobi City Thunder was a standout highlight of the tournament, though there is still work to be done as the team aims for the playoffs next season.
Kenya’s national basketball champions, Nairobi City Thunder, turned their outing into an unforgettable affair at the 2026 Basketball Africa League’s Kalahari Conference, held from March 27 to April 5 at the Sunbet Arena in South Africa.
This marked their second ever appearance in this continental showcase, having made history as the first Kenyan squad to qualify for the BAL last season (2025).
Despite not punching a ticket to the playoffs or finals in Kigali, Rwanda, missing out for the second straight time, the Nairobi City Thunder still took a massive leap forward from last year’s campaign, where they featured in the Nile Conference, also in Rwanda.
To call it solid progress means they finished with a 2-3 record a clear upgrade from their 1-5 mark in the previous season’s outing, which signals a genuine step up.
ALSO READ: Nairobi City Thunder beat RSSB Tigers to end BAL on a high despite missing the playoffs
In South Africa, they were grouped with five other powerful continental sides, managing to snag two victories.
The first came against hosts Johannesburg Giants, beating them 71-65, then they wrapped up their group phase on a high note by smashing the table-topping debutants, Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers, 101-92.
Their three setbacks came at the hands of Tanzania’s newcomers, Dar City, losing 90-85, while former champions Petro de Luanda of Angola thumped them 97-70, before falling 107-80 to Al Ahly of Libya.
With that 2-3 mark, Thunder did n0t manage to secure a BAL playoff spot as the head-to-head tiebreaker against Dar City saw them edged out, despite both teams sharing identical records.
It was the Tanzanian side that advanced, while Thunder finished fifth due to their own mistakes.
In this piece, SportPesa Blog breaks down the five key takeaways from this sixth edition of the Basketball Africa League and the team’s second appearance.
Nairobi City Thunder key talking points at BAL 2026
Squad depth, offensive struggles, and defensive gaps exposed
Nairobi City Thunder had a shaky defense, and their offense was equally blunt, committing a heap of fouls that left them vulnerable, allowing opponents to pounce.
In their opening clash against Dar City – a match they probably should have won easily, they ended up letting it slip in stunning fashion. They held a 13-point lead before halftime, only for it to evaporate in the third quarter, as Dar City capitalized on those defensive lapses while Thunder went cold on offense.
They nodded off at the end of the fourth quarter, and Dar City completed the comeback. Thunder committed plenty of fouls, and despite earning many free throws, it was Dar City who knocked theirs down with composure.
In their second match against Joburg Giants, they tried to keep things together, but the cracks were still visible.
Heading into the third game, everything unraveled when they lost to Petro de Luanda.
Even then, they could have won, but a second-quarter meltdown squandered the chance, too many turnovers, costly fouls, and those issues haunted them again.
ALSO READ: Indomitable Nairobi City Thunder make history as first Kenyan team to qualify for BAL
The fourth match was more of the same nothing much changed, as they fell to Al Ahly LY.
They ended the campaign on a positive note by beating RSSB Tigers, who were missing key players, and Thunder took full advantage, as the Tigers were sluggish on defense from the start, despite attempting a second-half rally.
So, as much as this was an improved record from last season’s run, there is still work to be done; from practice to the hardwood, for Brad Ibs’ crew.
They will need to fix these issues if they want something better next season; otherwise, it’ll just keep repeating itself.
Kenya Basketball League exposed as lacking competitiveness
This might be one of the core reasons behind Thunder’s struggles at the continental level.
Breaking it down: Nairobi City Thunder have clinched the national basketball title for two straight years without tasting defeat, and they are still leading the pack this third season, remaining unbeaten.
They might be better than the rest, but that has actually exposed them as a below-par side continentally, since they are likely not getting elite competition from their own league.
The only team that gives Thunder a decent challenge is Kenya Ports Authority, who have also found it tough to crack them open. To truly compete at the continental level, Thunder need stronger domestic opposition.
That means teams like KPA need to elevate their game, along with Umoja Basketball and sides like Ulinzi Warriors, they must step up and provide the kind of competition needed in the league to ensure that when Thunder reach the continental stage, they are among the best.
Need for youthful energy and smarter recruitment
Brad Ibs must realize that most of his go-to players are starting to slow down with age, so Thunder needs fresher faces to propel them forward.
The only youngster on that roster was Powell Hargos Owino, who received his first call-up for the continental showpiece, while the rest are regulars or veterans who’ve been around a while including 25-year-old Grang Diing.
While basketball allows longevity, Thunder need younger, faster players to complement their experienced core. Veterans like 36-year-old Ariel Koranga and captain Tylor Ongwae (34) bring valuable experience, but they may not sustain the intensity required at the highest level.
Recruitment and scouting must also improve. Last season’s squad depth appeared stronger than this year’s, suggesting a need for long-term planning. Strengthening the roster early will be crucial if they aim to go further in future BAL campaigns.
Fan experience was a top-tier highlight
Amid the challenges, one standout success has been the fans. Basketball culture in Kenya had been fading a few years ago, but Nairobi City Thunder have reignited interest in the sport.
Few teams in the BAL Kalahari Conference matched the fan engagement seen from Thunder supporters. Watch parties held in Nairobi created an electric atmosphere, with fans turning up in large numbers to cheer their team.
Thunder have built a passionate community and effectively become ambassadors for Kenyan basketball. The fan experience has been exceptional and remains a bright spot in their journey.
Room to grow and bounce back stronger
A 3–8 overall record in the Basketball Africa League shows there is still room for growth. However, Thunder now have the experience and foundation to improve next season.
With two appearances under their belt, reaching the playoffs should be the next realistic target. This time, they fell short due to small but crucial shortcomings–especially squad depth and in-game execution.
That said, Nairobi City Thunder remain the best team in the country. With the right adjustments, they have the potential to achieve much more. They’ve already built something meaningful, and if they continue to evolve, next season could bring tangible success and establish them as a true force in African basketball.
Nairobi City Thunder BAL 2026 Group Phase Results
- Nairobi City Thunder 85-90 Dar City Basketball Club (H)
- Nairobi City Thunder 71-65 Johannesburg Giants Basketball Club
- Nairobi City Thunder 70-97 Petroleos de Luanda (A)
- Nairobi City Thunder 107-80 Al Ahly Ly Sporting Club
- Nairobi City Thunder 101-92 RSSB Tigers