Thunder call for professionalism as KBF league grapples with officiating, scheduling controversy
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 17.05.26. | 14:39
The federation is yet to respond to said letter while the basketball fraternity has given mixed reactions to the communique from the two-time Basketball Africa League representatives
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men's league back-to-back champions Nairobi City Thunder (NCT) have called on the federation to enforce professionalism in both officiating and scheduling of games, as the side looks to continue their unbeaten run in the 2026 league season.
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In a letter dated 13 May, addressed to KBF Secretary General Angela Luchivia that has attracted missed reactions from the basketball fraternity, Thunder General Manager Kooshin Diriye addressed the two areas of concern, opining that they are undermining the integrity and professional standing of the KBF league.
The communique to the federation leadership followed a 71-67 thriller against Kisumu Lakeside last weekend in Kisumu, a match that saw skipper Tylor Ongwae led the champions secure hard-fought victory contributing 15 points and 13 rebounds to help Thunder claim the win in foreign territory.
Thunder claim that the officiating in the said match was questionable due to a conflict of interest due to familial relationship between one of the referees and a Kisumu Lakeside official.
"The referee appointed for the fixtures played on 9-10 May 2026 is a cousin of an official associated with the Lakeside team, our opposing club. Regardless of intent, this familial relationship creates an unacceptable conflict of interest in the officiating of that fixture.
The neutrality of officiating is foundational to fair competition. We formally request that this referee not be assigned to officiate any future KBF fixtures involving NCT in Kisumu.
We further call for a review of referee appointment procedures and the introduction of formal screening that disqualifies officials with close personal or familial ties to any participating club in a given fixture," the statement reads in part.
While many have agreed with the statement and the need for change in said area, a section of the basketball is calling out the champions for what they deem to be a reaction to their close shave with what would have been their first loss in three seasons.
Additionally, Thunder have addressed a chronic issue with the KBF league where match schedules aren't adhered to, and more often than not, matches are rescheduled with little notice to participating teams.
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"Despite repeated lobbying by NCT, the league schedule continues to be released at short notice and subject to constant revision. Games are not running on time and confirmed fixtures are being altered without adequate warning," Diriye writes.
Thunder insist that every match requires advance planning travel, player preparation, staff, and commercial commitments to sponsors and partners and the financial and operational burden of this instability falls entirely on the clubs. "In a league where game revenues are not shared, that burden is carried without any corresponding return. This is not sustainable," the statement continues.
The two-time champions have called on the federation to publish the full league schedule with a minimum of four weeks' advance notice and honour confirmed fixtures.
The club also asks KBF to ensure all games run on time and that any unavoidable rescheduling is communicated to clubs immediately and with meaningful notice.
Thunder are calling for an outline of the KBF's intended actions within 14 days.