Okal shares Somalia experience, still putting up big numbers in Oman

One of the popular hashtags veteran Kenya Moran’s forward Ariel Okal uses is #different. At 32 years, the 6-foot-9 figure is still pushing his body through various leagues across the world for all he loves most: basketball.

A trip to Oman with Al Bashaer, an assignment with the Kenya national team in the World Cup qualifiers, a long season with Ugandan National Basketball League finalists in 2022- Namuwongo Blazers plus a chance to see his former side Kenya Ports Authority get to the Basketball Africa League could have easily closed out the already tedious year for him.

But a few negotiations with friend and head coach Mohammed Alowaisi had him tied up for what was going to be a fourth stint with Oman club Ahli Sidab late October.

The untold story was the huge delay arising from ‘visa release’ and ‘a standoff between former club Al Bashaer and Ahli Sidab’ that set him off for another journey: one to the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

How did this happen?

“I was actually invited to Somalia by one of my friends who is a coach now, Dhere Aboud,” Okal stated. “The task was clear, help league side Dekedaha BC win the domestic title.”

In an ideal situation, the deal would have been a violation to his earlier commitment to Ahli Sidab but with the virtue of the Somalian league not being FIBA recognized, it was easier to commit, albeit for a short time until his travel documentation to Muscat was sorted.

“First of all I never wanted to go there,” Okal offered early December. “I have had a few reservations that I normally wouldn’t disclose but security has always been the top priority for me. The short story was that I sneaked out at 3AM on my first trip because my family wouldn’t allow it!”

With him in Somalia were fellow mates- Ken Wachira (2021/22 KBF MVP), Fidel Okoth and Faheem Juma who made the experience worthwhile – despite missing the big call as his adopted side lost to a stacked Gift Stars Club that had acquired all the aforementioned names bar Wachira.

The fighting bulls of Western Kenya

The journey however, as documented in Okal’s Youtube documentary, wasn’t just about hoops, but altered his mentality on the culture there.

“Man, those guys (Somalians) are not poor as they have been painted to be,” Okal said. “Just how they go out of their way to bring in foreign talents to their leagues is amazing.

“Sports is a thing they truly love. Not only basketball but even football and handball. The young and the old, women, men all come to the arenas and stadiums to watch games. Their culture is…#different.”

Most important to him were the efforts towards popularizing the league – an initiative taken up by local television stations; Asal 24 TV and Astaan TV in airing all games live, plus the ‘celebrity status’ that comes with just being a basketball player – all that he hasn’t seen matched in Kenya.

Okal admitted to having a few kids take selfies and pictures with him post game.

“My attitude towards Somalia is all different now. The games there are steadily growing and having sponsors and media coverage helps a lot,” Okal responded to the mindset change, leaving a door open for a return to the East African country.

“I now have great relations with the Somali basketball community. I have played for them and I will play for them again because they are my people,” he said.

To Oman, Okal had the now-normal time of the year- spending Christmas all alone, as he did the heavy lifting for third placed Ahli Sidab in the Oman Basketball Association.

His first game back on December 17, a Doctor-esque performance that saw him post a 15 points, 22 rebounds double double to go with 6 assists in a 53-28 win over Oman Club- the first victory for Ahli Sidab in three games.

“Feels nice to be back. I should have been here much earlier but I feel at home already,” Okal said after the game.

His second assignment was to come two days after Christmas, when he awoke to the scene of flash floods outside his room upstairs in the Oman capital.

The big game against Nizwa Club was effectively pushed to the next day, with the roads to the team facilities simply impassable.

“Normal stuff,” Okal said of the occurrence. “I have now become accustomed to these weather patterns. Last season we had a typhoon. It’s just a desert thing but I am glad that I am safe and that there weren't any big damages reported.”

On Wednesday, normal services resumed – an Ahli Sidab victory sparked by another Okal double double – 15 points (3 3-pointers made) and 27 rebounds. The stat-sheet also had 6 assists and 4 steals across his name.

“God + hard work = progress,” Okal posted after the game, while attributing the team’s energy as part of the ‘steps’ in his process of securing a league championship for Ahli Sidab.

In 2021, Okal won the Oman domestic league double with Al Bashaer but is yet to taste success in three seasons with his current side.

“I just want that ring with Ahli,” Okal said after securing his new deal late October. “It will for sure add another chapter in my book and for everyone around the club. It’s been over eight years since we last won the league. It will be special to do it for them.”

The next league assignment for Okal comes over this weekend as Ahli Sidab takes on Salalah Club.