Kenya’s Nairobi City Thunder are gearing up for their Basketball Africa League (BAL) debut on Saturday, May 18, 2025, when they face Rwandan champions APR at the BK Arena in Kigali.

Speaking on Friday after their final training session, Thunder head coach Bradley Ibs said the team was energized and ready.

“The guys were really excited to be on the BK Arena floor. It’s an amazing wood floor, great hoops, great rims — that gave a lot of energy to our guys,” he said.

Ibs noted that the team focused on competitive drills to simulate the intensity expected in the group stage.

“We got a lot of shots up and did some game-type segments that I think were great preparation,” he added.

Confident but cautious

Thunder are in the Nile Conference alongside APR (Rwanda), Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), and Made by Basketball (South Africa).

They qualified after dominating the East Division, with a commanding win over Kriol Star at the Elite 16 Finals held in Nairobi last December.

Coach Ibs acknowledged the challenge of opening against the home team.

WATCH:

Nairobi City Thunder head coach Bradley Thomas acknowledges the challenge of facing APR BBC on their home court but remains confident and hopeful ahead of the matchup.

The teams will clash in the opening game of the Nile Conference at the Basketball Africa League (BAL)… pic.twitter.com/jVrq9h1itZ

— Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) (@rbarwanda) May 16, 2025

“Facing APR on their home court is a challenge, no doubt, but we’re confident. We respect our opponents, but we’re here to compete,” he said.

Ready to represent

South Sudanese forward Gerang Diing was equally upbeat. “It was a good session. Rwanda is beautiful, and the team looks sharp.

Shots are falling, everyone is focused,” he said. “We’re excited to get started.”

He encouraged fans to support the team. “If you’re in Kigali, come out. If you’re at home, follow the games on BAL’s YouTube. We’re here to make Kenya proud.”

Thunder’s group stage matches run through May 25. Only the top two teams from the Nile Conference will progress to the playoffs in Pretoria next month.