Kenya’s basketball scene is set for another electrifying season as Thunder, the defending champions of the Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL), continue to dominate the 2024-2025 Premier League with unmatched prowess.

As rivals KPA, Umoja, Ulinzi Warriors, Strathmore Blades and USIU Tigers scramble for second place, veteran tactician Emmanuel Ochieng’ fondly known within the country’s basketball circles as ‘Ajush’, in an exclusive interview with Wikendi Sport, boldly declared Thunder as the unstoppable force poised to retain their title.

But with fierce competition brewing, will the defending champs hold on to their crown, or will a new challenger rise to the occasion?

“Sincerely, I don’t see any Premier League team that will topple Thunder,” Ochieng’ remarked.

“The team is well-prepared and structured. Thunder is equal to the task of retaining the KNBL Premier League title as defending champions, having dramatically won the league and playoffs against former kings KPA last season (2023-2024). On a scale of 1 to 10, Thunder is rated 9. Umoja, KPA and Ulinzi Warriors are rated 5 and below.”

Ochieng’ explained that his projection about NCT retaining the league is largely hinged on the undisputed fact that Thunder is the only top-tier team in Kenya well-prepared and structured to continue dominating the KNBL scene.

They are wowing and entertaining their legion of ardent basketball fans, while KPA basketball coach Cliff Owuor has engaged in a war of words with Ochieng’, vowing that the dockers, currently with a roster of youthful players, are able to reclaim the title.

“Thunder is arguably the only professional basketball team in the country, managed by team sponsor Twende Sports, which also pays the players’ salaries exclusively for playing basketball. The sponsor’s team management structure is also top-notch,” Ochieng’ said.

However, KPA coach Owuor, while admitting Thunder’s current form and performance, retorted, “KPA can put up a good fight against Thunder. Considering we have youthful players after revamping the team, capable of competing at high levels. We will also sign two more players, a point guard and a shooting guard. Once our key injured players recover, this season looks promising.”

Equity Dumas coach Zadock Adika and Eldonet Platinum player Meshack Oloo, while conceding Thunder is a team to watch and reckon with this season, contend that Eldonet, Equity, Ulinzi Warriors, Umoja (who Oloo indicated are buoyed by a new sponsor, Phenons), Strathmore Blades, USIU Tigers, NBK and Stanbic are Premier League teams to watch, albeit they will largely vie for positions 2, 3 and 4, which are open to all sides.

Umoja coach Abel Nson, on his side, averred, “We respect the teams ahead of us, like Thunder, KPA and Ulinzi Warriors. However, the team management has now invested in the outfit, which has revamped its player roster after facing near relegation last season. Our ultimate long-term goal is to dislodge Thunder from the Premier League pole position.”