Ibs hungry to lead Thunder to KNBL three-peat, BAL second appearance
Nairobi City Thunder in a group photo after defeating South Africa’s Johannesburg Giants 94–84 to win the Road to BAL East Division title at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, Nairobi, on November 23, 2025. Photo/ Courtesy
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Speaking Thursday during the unveiling of a new sponsor ahead of the new season, Ibs said new signing Muchina Mwombe Bramwel, a former Kenya Ports Authority power forward, is a massive boost as well as the return of Moses Ariel.
“We are excited to bring back a really strong core, players from last year—all the names that you know—Eugene Adera, Derrick Ogechi, Tylor Ongwae, and many others,” coach Brad stated.
“There are some new faces in the locker room as well. One maybe familiar face, Moses Ariel is back—exciting young player, known to basketball fans. He’s been injured but he’s healthy now and really playing well. Bramwel Muchina, formerly of KPA, an exciting young big player, joined our ranks too.”
“We’ve lost some players as well. James Mwangi retired this year. Griffin Ligare will be playing for another team—he was the face of Nairobi City Thunder but after positive conversation, we had a mutual positive parting of ways,” he added.
The updated lineup retains proven leaders like skipper Tylor Ongwae, Albert Odero, Eugene Adera, Derrick Ogechi, while integrating additions like Muchina and Ariel's comeback to enhance depth, defence, and versatility for the dual demands of KNBL dominance and BAL competition.
Thunder’s CEO and president Colin Rasmussen said the sponsorship deal, with Send App, a digital cross-border money transfer platform, will play a key role in their bid for a successful season.
“A lot of our values are aligned with the Send App," Rasmussen said.
“We are excited to have them on board as our premier sponsor for the upcoming season, and I would just say stay tuned because a lot of exciting things, a lot of exciting storytelling that is going to come out from this and more information about exactly how you can use Send App to make remittances easier for yourself and your family.”
Thunder are among 12 teams that will be battling for eight tickets to the 2026 BAL season finale set for May 22-31 at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
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