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History beckons for Ariel Okal and Thunder in Road to BAL final hurdle
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 27.11.24. | 22:56
The 34-year-old, after being the leading lights, is relishing an opportunity to add off-the-bench experience for a Thunder team littered with top talent
Kenya Morans power forward Ariel Okal says on depth alone, Nairobi City Thunder has the capability of being the first Kenyan side to qualify for the Basketball Africa League finals slated for next year.
Okal, 34, is among the most experienced players in the reigning Kenya Basketball Federation champions roster, and is seeking to finally get over the hump and make it to Africa’s premier basketball destination.
Now with a stacked Thunder team - that boasts international talent like Abdoulaye Harouna, Uche Iroegbu, and James Ater Majok - Okal believes this year holds his best chance, as the team readies up for a grueling Elite 16 tournament, the final phase of qualification.
“When I compare this team with the ones I have had before, I believe we have a very good team that gives us the chance to qualify,” Okal said, adding that their likelihood to progress “multiplies with the games being held in Nairobi.”
Okal’s previous sojourn in the BAL Qualifying phase saw him stall in the first-round with Kenyan side Kenya Ports Authority last year, and he is now keen to use his experience to make history with Thunder.
“Experience, energy and some level of physicality,” Okal, who boasts of seven league championships over his lengthy career, told Mozzart Sport on what qualities he brings to Thunder’s BAL journey.
Now a key part of the team off the bench, Okal said: “The beauty about that is you check in to the game already knowing what to do.
“All you have to do is stay ready and continue being a pro. Obviously I got good teammates and at the end of the day someone has got to give.”
Okal added that his level of experience comes with “a big heart” that paves way for the “younger guys to go in first, and I will supplement their efforts when my number is called.”
On renewing his long-standing rivalry with City Oilers - the Ugandan side in Group A that got in his way of a league title with Namuwongo Blazers in 2022 - Okal said: “I don’t have much to say but I just can’t wait to meet them.
“We need to first take care of our business.”
Business begins on Thursday night (2000 EAT), when Okal and his Thunder team take on South African champions MBB in Group B action.
