Faheem Juma

HE is nicknamed Kenya Airways. A moniker he earned for his spectacular high-flying dunks, which have wowed fans at various gyms in the East African nation. His actual name is Albert Odero, and he is part of a group of star players who make up Kenya’s super team, Nairobi City Thunder.

The 28-year-old Odero was nicknamed by his teammate Faheem Juma, who compared his high-flying style on the court to the nation’s air carrier.

While being a skywalker has made Odero popular, he feels there is more to his game. “One of my teammates, Faheem, gave me the name four or five years ago, and it just stuck. I feel like I do more than jump high and dunk on people. It’s a blessing to have the athleticism, and if it entertains people, then I don’t mind putting on a show for the crowd,” said Odero.

The Thunder fans are certainly loving it! They have seen Odero and the Thunder rocket to the stratosphere after being crowned champions in Kenya’s Basketball League for the second time running. The Thunder outdid themselves once more, ending their spectacular charge to the title with another unbeaten run.

Odero, speaking to The Big Tip Off on Monday, a day after they beat Kenya Ports Authority 3-0 in the finals series, attributed the success to a positive team dynamic.

“It’s consistency. We have guys who work hard, well together and who want what’s best for the team, said Odero. “So in those two years, we have become familiar. It’s a whole lot of things put in a pot, and it’s working,” said Odero.

 

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Having one unbeaten season is no easy feat, but to do it a second time, while astounding for the Thunder, it would raise questions about the quality of the teams they faced in the domestic league.

Odero, on the other hand, took a different view. “I would not say it was easy. You still have to come in and prove yourself. These teams are not going to let you come in and walk all over them,” said Odero. “It was not easy. We put in the hard work. We know how much investment the owners put into the team, so that is what they expect.”

Winning the league again means another Road to BAL, where they could potentially qualify for the BAL, as was the case last year.

In the Road to BAL stage, the Thunder posted an impressive 8-1 record. In the Elite 16 final phase on home soil, they delivered inspiring performances that made them the first Kenyan team to qualify for the BAL.

Odero says knowing the terrain of the continental qualifiers is an advantage for the Thunder. “We have one year under our belt… So we will be more comfortable. The other teams, too, have been there before, so they will invest. It’s just coming there with a chip on our shoulder. We know it’s not going to be easy, we know what it takes,” said Odero.

The experience at this year’s BAL was a step in the growth of the Thunder and their players. However, their record, 1-5 in the BAL’s Nile Conference, shows the Thunder are a work in progress.

“It was a good learning experience for the management and the players. This year, if we get the opportunity again we should not repeat the mistakes of last year,” said Odero.

His words carry wisdom from lessons learnt, and confidence in what the future holds. As the Thunder return to the continental realm, there will be turbulence and, at times, smooth sailing. So if the Thunder are to remain in flight on the Road to BAL, it will require Odero and his teammates to maintain level-heads.