Veteran Griffin Ligare has been honoured as the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) for July 2024, following his pivotal role in leading Nairobi City Thunder to their first Kenya Basketball Federation Men’s Premier League title.
The Thunder, under the captaincy of the 39-year-old Ligare, secured the championship by defeating University of Nairobi Terrorists, Equity Dumas and Kenya Ports Authority in successive 3-0 series during the playoffs.
Ligare’s stellar performances throughout the season were instrumental in Thunder’s success, including clinching the most valuable player title.
This victory marks his first Premier League win since joining the team in 2009 from Kenyatta University’s Pirates.
Nairobi City Thunder’s triumph also qualifies them for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers later this year.
LG’s Managing Director for East Africa, Dongwon Lee, highlighted the significance of the award, expressing confidence that it would further motivate Ligare’s continued excellence on the court.
He averred: “It is great to honor Ligare today for his commitment to the sport of basketball, and we know that true to his enduring spirit, he will keep flying the Kenyan flag high.”
Previously, Ligare captained the national team Kenya Morans and represented the country in 49 international matches.
Furthermore, Ligare is a first-time recipient of the SPOM award.
To bag the prestigious award, Ligare garnered the most votes from the SPOM selection panel, surpassing notable contenders such as Faith Kipyegon, who set a new 1,500m world record, and Karan Patel, a three-time Zambia International Rally champion.
Other nominees comprised Kabras Sugar RFC player Eric Cantona who starred for the Kakamega-based side as it won the opening leg of the National Sevens Rugby Circuit – Christie Sevens – alongside young striker Faith Cherotich widely acclaimed for her exploits in the Eastern Region secondary school games after guiding the Kwanthanze girls’ football team to the nationals for the second consecutive time.
Ligare could not hide his joy after being crowned the SPOM for July.
He remarked: “I am really honored to have won this award, especially considering I was up against a tough pool of worthy competitors. I hope this recognition will continue an inspiration to upcoming athletes, especially in basketball.”
