As they prepare for the Elite 16 qualification round of 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL), Nairobi City Thunder head coach Brad Ibs says they will prioritize the continental competition over the local Kenya Basketball Federation league.
Ibs, speaking exclusively to Telecomasia.net, says the team will look to preserve their best players and not use them in the league to ensure they are away from injury.
Honestly, at the moment, our focus is purely on the BAL and we will not use our rostered players in the league to avoid the issues of injury and such kind. We will use this opportunity to give the other players, who are equally good, a chance to build themselves in the league. Of course we want to win every match in the league, and we would want to field our best players in every game, but honestly, the targets of the organization are on BAL.
Brad Ibs told Telecomasia.net
The Elite 16 round of the Basketball Africa League was scheduled for early this month, but has been stalled due to the unavailability of a host country. The organizers are yet to announce a new host and dates.
Ibs says the uncertainty is affecting the team and preparations, but reiterates they must remain grounded to ensure they are ready.
Of course it tends to be a small distraction for them especially when you are just training and not playing high level matches. But we have spoken and I have told them we have to remain on our toes and ensure we are ready for whenever called upon.
Brad Ibs
Thunder is looking to become the first ever Kenyan team to qualify for the final BAL tournament.