Royals’ Nhamo Shire: “London Needs a Team to Get Behind”

After starting the season 3-0 atop of the BBL standings, Nhamo Shire and Matthew Bryan-Amaning of the league’s newest franchise, London City Royals get interviewed on London Live to talk about the club (video above).

“London needs a team to get behind and I think we’re that team,” Shire, the club’s Head of Operations, said. “We have great players such as Matthew, Ashley, Orlan, so a lot of players I think people have been following in the past and having been back home for the first time and the way we have, has caused a lot of excitement and I’m happy we’re able to get the wins to back that up.”

Shire’s comments create further anticipation for the London derby between the Lions and Royals on December 14 at The Copper Box. And despite the Lions perhaps being overshadowed by the Royals’ buzz, they have had a strong start to the season themselves, putting together a formidable roster – including league reigning MVP Justin Robinson and impressive new signing Ladarius Tabb – that have registered blowouts over Worcester and Glasgow sandwiched around a loss to Plymouth.

Though the Royals players admit they are yet to start gelling properly, they are still experiencing success, and all of course, whilst playing at home.

“Homecoming is perfect,” MBA said of playing in London. “Playing in front of friends and family and people that I grew up around and being able to show them what all my hard work has been about for the last 15-20 years of my life.”

Asked what he hopes the Royals will bring to the league, Bryan-Amaning aded:

‘I hope it shows the inspiration for the generation coming (through). I hope they can see someone like myself, Ashley Hamilton, Orlan Jackmam, Ed Lucas – guys that have played abroad, but to be able to see them on a weekly basis and play in front of them, I hope it provides some inspiration for them to be able to come and play, be the best that they can be and play on the stage we’re playing on now.”

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