Timely return for Odero, Mwangi propels Thunder to victory
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 22.06.24. | 12:35
The women’s semis playoff saw Zetech Sparks make light work of former champions Equity Hawks for a 62-50 outcome in Game One of Five
Nairobi City Thunder duo of Albert Odero and James Mwangi were cleared of their doping charges well in time to feature for the side in Game One of the ongoing Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) playoffs.
Facing Equity Bank Dumas in the best-of-five men's league semis, the Brad Ibs-led Thunder withstood the bankers' onslaught for a slim 79-77 outcome for a 1-0 advantage early in the series.
Carey Odhiambo's Dumas trailed by two in a competitive first quarter that ended 18-16, Thunder extending their lead to seven at the break with a 25-20 performance in the second period.
Dumas, however, came back from the locker rooms guns blazing to overpower Thunder 29-19 and assume lead heading to the final stanza. Luck was, however, not on their side as they lost the final quarter 17-12.
Odero scored 13 in the win with Mwangi adding 11 to the tally.
Odero had been suspended by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) after his sample tests returned positive results for the presence of Cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are a class of biological compounds most frequently sourced from and associated with the plants of the Cannabis genus, including Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
Under the World Anti-Doping Agency, these are classified as banned substances. The ban can run for between a month and two years depending on time of use.
Mwangi, meanwhile had been flagged by ADAK for the Presence of stimulants/methylene edioxymethamphetamine, commonly referred to as MDMA.
"Nairobi City Thunder is pleased to announce the return of Albert Odero and James Mwangi following their completion of suspensions for violating Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) regulations pertaining to non-performance enhancement substances.
Throughout this process, both players and the team have diligently adhered to ADAK guidelines. They voluntarily participated in a rehabilitation program, fulfilled community service obligations, and were sanctioned by the club.
After serving a mandatory one-month suspension, ADAK has cleared them for competition effective June 13, 2024," a statement from the club read hours before the Playoff semis match on Friday.
Meanwhile, the women’s semis playoff saw Zetech Sparks make light work of former champions Equity Hawks for a 62-50 outcome in Game One of Five.
