Kenyan Basketball Premier League champions Nairobi City Thunder have brought on born American-born Ghanaian Nana Appiah Kwabena into their roster for the 2025 season, another top flight addition to their already strong and competitive squad.
Appiah has already made his debut for Thunder in the league, playing in matches against NBK and Absa, games in which he emerged as the top points scorer and put in immaculate performances.
The shooting guard, who has come through the Golden State Warriors Academy and has had other playing experiences in the USA and China, is looking to make the most out of his first ever full competitive league season.
He will not only be part of Thunder’s league squad, but is also be among the two reserve players for their Basketball Africa League (BAL) squad in Kigali, where he hopes to play a role in helping the team do well in their first ever appearance at the NBA-backed tournament.
Appiah spoke exclusively to Telecomasia.net on his experience in Kenya so far and ambitions heading to his maiden season with the Thunder.
- It’s been right over a month in Kenya and two debut matches already, how has the experience been?
- The experience has been really great for me to be honest. The place is really nice; the weather, the food, the people.. everyone has been welcoming to me. The team is also structurally great and I am really enjoying being here. Practice and the games as well are really intense and it is great for me to develop and become a better player.
- You made your debut over the weekend and had a really good outing. How can you sum up the experience?
- It was really great to have a feeling of the league. They were two very tough matches but we managed to pull through in both. I felt I played pretty okay being my debut but I definitely know I will get better with time. I was just trying to learn the league, get used to it and be ready to go for the rest of the season.
- What kind of an experience was it for you?
- It was memorable honestly. The atmosphere was really great and the fans came out in large numbers and showed love. The energy was great and the battles on the court were intense. They weren’t easy matches because both teams were tough and played really hard n both sides of the court. They gave in a good fight and we responded with amazing effort. You can never overlook anyone in the league and there were quite a few lessons I picked from the two games which will help me become better.
- You have been through a really great journey as you start your pro career. How has it helped you build up to where you are today?
- After college, I did some stuff with the Golden State Warriors Academy and it was great being around stars such as Steph Curry and Andre Iguodala. I really started up being around the best and it was amazing and I felt blessed to be in such environments. They helped me learn quite a lot and get inspired. I also travelled to China and played for a few teams out there and also interacted with a bunch of pros, learning the right way and now I have the first opportunity to show what I can do at the high level.
- Many people will ask, why Kenya? Why did you decide this was the place for you to launch your pro career?
- I think it was a great opportunity for me especially noting the team is going to the BAL for the first time. I felt it was the right opportunity for me when the chance came knocking. I was actually to come in last year but stuff happened and there was a delay. But I am delighted to be here finally and I am ready to go and make my mark with the team.
- Finally, what are your ambitions with the team?
- First up is the BAL and the aim is going there to win. We are not just going there to compete, but compete to win. We have a clear mind and we are ready to dominate. I know it is not going to be easy. I have some friends with APR and MBB, teams we are going to play against and I know they are good quality players so definitely the competition will be intense. But, we have a great coaching staff and we have been working hard on the court, watching films of our opponents and preparing well. We know what we have to do and we will give the best.
In the Kenyan league, I hope we can achieve another undefeated record. I am here to push as much as I can and get the team over the edge again. The team is already good with a lot of talent and a great coaching staff but I am just here to add on what I can and doing great, plug in where I can and see where that takes us. Overall, I am excited to be part of the program and I am really looking forward to getting the Championship at the end of the season.
It won’t be easy because I have watched games and I have seen the kind of competition we have but I am confident in our abilities as a team.
