S. GitahiOn the move: Ariel Okal signs for Oman club Ahli Sidab
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 07.11.22. | 20:03
Okal rejoins the team after a short stint with Ugandan side Namuwango Blazers
Veteran Kenya Moran’s forward Ariel Okal is making a return to the Oman Basketball League after signing a one year deal with his former side, Ahli Sidab.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Okal revealed that the club negotiations had been taking place for months since his exit from Ugandan side Namuwongo Blazers mid-October.
The move will see the 32 year old take the old familiar journey back to the club he last featured for April this year, a full season after rejoining the club in November 2021.
In the 2020-2021 season, Okal played for the defending champions Al Bashaer, where he won the league and the Sultan cup double.
“Holiday time with family is over. I am starting my new season in Oman with Ahli Sidab,” Okal stated. “I feel like I have unfinished business with the side in terms of national titles, but it is a great moment for me to reunite with my teammates up there.”
In a tale of near misses at Ahli Sidab, Okal’s three seasons there have ended up with no silverware; two second place finishes in his first two seasons coupled up with a third place finish in 2022.
“I just want that ring with Ahli. 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 six foot seven power forward cum center explained.
Coming at a time when he had just featured for Kenyan side Kenya Ports Authority in the Road to BAL 2023 group stage qualifiers, Okal notes that KPA alongside his former side Namuwongo Blazers were interested in acquiring his services but he opted to commit elsewhere, his love for the Ahli team and sunny beaches in Muscat taking precedence.
Ariel Okal’s last game for KPA came in a 66-60 loss to Malagasy side COSPN in the BAL qualifiers, where he scored seven points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists, shooting at 37.5% from the paint.
His big double-double performances in the NBL playoffs a few weeks earlier in October, saw the Namuwongo Blazers push through to the last game of the final series, losing to the eight time champions City Oilers.
Coach Mohamed Alowaisi's Ahli Sidab tip off their new season on November 22 against Al Seeb.
