Nairobi City Thunder coach Sadat Gaya who doubles up as the national basketball team, Morans, tactician can rest easy after landing on marquee signings.

The coach has brought on board Thomas Kioko, experienced Centre Guard Griffin Ligare as well as Jerry Andare all who played a pivotal role in Thunder’s first victory of the season in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s league played over weekend.

Playing in their match of the season, Nairobi City Thunder led from the first whistle to the last to defeat varsity side Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 74-66 in a game of fluctuating fortunes at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

Kioko, a quiet assassin who joined Thunder from relegated Embakasi Youth (EMYBA) nailed 22 points as Andare helped himself to 17 points.

In a post-match interview, Gaya blamed his charges for failure to give their all despite controlling the match for a lengthy period.

“We started well and put pressure on ANU in the first quarter. This allowed us a decent advantage heading into the second quarter. In the second half, we put our feet off the gas pedal and gave them leeway to make a comeback instead of putting the match out of reach,’’ said Gaya.

He added: “ANU had a youthful squad and had a height advantage. We committed fouls which we should have avoided and struggled with rebounds which made it easy for our opponents.

The third quarter was closely contested although we were in the lead but all along, we made mistakes that should not be repeated in future matches. All the same, we are still work in progress,” he said.

Thunder led 24-16 in the first quarter but ANU had a better second quarter scoring 21 against the eventual winner’s 22. 

The third quarter ended 12-14 in favour of ANU and the final one 16-15 for Thunder.

Victor Mwoka (17) and Paul Patrick (16) top scored for the Mike Oluoch-led varsity side but it was not enough to handle the brilliant Thunder.

“We had a lot of turnovers, our defense did not work well and our rotation was poor. We gave them a lot of shots which worked in their favour. We did not play as a team and that shows we have a long way to go,’’ said Gaya.

In a ladies match, Strathmore University overcame Jomo Kenyatta University 57-41.