NAIROBI (Kenya) - Even though the country got confirmed as hosts for the Road to BAL Elite 16, East Division with barely 10 days to prepare, organisers have tried to give participants and fans alike an unforgettable experience as Nairobi hosts it's first ever Road to BAL competition.
The excitement amongst basketball enthusiast, when the news was made public, was almost palpable with Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) president Paul Otula terming it a 'monumental achievement for Kenya’s basketball community', as reported by Kenyan media.
"It's not just about basketball but also showcasing our resilience, talent, and ability to shine on the global stage. Beyond the court, the Road to BAL Elite 16 is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits, boosting local businesses, highlighting Kenya's capacity to host international events, and fostering community pride," Otula said.
The federation alongside Kenyan representatives in the East Division, Nairobi City Thunder rally fans to support their quest for a maiden BAL appearance for a Kenyan side and the calls were heeded to as the Nyayo Gymnasium, located at the square of Mombasa Road, Langata Road and the Aerodrome Road, approximately three kilometers from the City Center, has been almost overwhelmed when the hosts take to the court.
Considering the last international action the facility witnessed was in January 2020 when Kenya hosted the FIBA AfroBasket Pre-Qualifiers, fans were eager and the teams have repaid their enthusiasm with thrilling match-ups.
It has not just been the Nairobi City Thunder matches that have witnessed huge turnouts.
South Sudan's Fox Basketball matches have pulled numbers with the unmistakable travelling Urunani fans also lighting up Nyayo Gymnasium during their team's two victories.
The event has also dominated Kenyan media sporting news, with Thunder, expectedly, featuring prominently.
Over 30 Kenyan journalists have been accredited to cover the event with attention expected to increase as the home side gets closer to qualification.
While Nyayo Gymnasium is the home of Kenyan basketball, hosting the national league over the years, Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani Indoor Arena was set to host the six-day event but its unavailability on the opening two days led to a change of venue to the former.
Action moves to the 5000-seater facility located approximately 15 kilometres from the city centre, along Thika road, for the final group matches set for Sunday as well as the knockout matches in Monday and Tuesday, cutting the travel for all visiting teams as they are residing at the 108-room hotel located within the centre.
Despite the distance from the city centre, organisers remain optimistic that the game attendance will go up in the remaining three days as competition gets to the crucial stages. The home side is also at the forefront, rallying fans on social media to continue supporting them from the news venue, simply referred to as Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Away from the court, business is also booming for local vendors who have taken advantage of the large turnout to pitch camp outside the Arena, displaying different wares.
FIBA