What another title would mean for Ariel Okal

Kenya Moran’s versatile forward Ariel Okal is on the verge of winning his sixth club championship as the Namuwongo Blazers lock horns with the seven time champions City Oilers in the FUBA National Basketball League Game 7 decider at the MTN Arena in Lugogo on Friday night.

The highly anticipated game tips off at 9pm Kenyan time and as it turns out, it is not going to be just the normal game for the six foot eight Kenyan monster whose catalogue includes two Kenya Basketball Federation championships with Kenya Ports Authority, two league championships with Tanzanian club Don Bosco Savio and a league triumph with Oman club Al Bashaer.

“Winning the NBL with the Blazers will be special for me. In terms of numbers, that will be my fourth title in four different countries [including his stint at Union Sportive Setif of Algeria] and my 6th overall league championship. Age-wise, I am now 32 years and I have that feeling that the window of performing consistently at a high level is closing quite fast.” Okal says in an interview with Mozzart Sport.

Having previously turned out for the Uganda Falcons and the KIU Titans who all ply their trade in the Ugandan league in 2015 and 2021 respectively, Okal, like majority of the fans in the land has witnessed the modern-day dynasty in the City Oilers run away with the league title for a record seven consecutive times since 2013. His hunger to end that streak is clear;

“There are a lot of historical aspects in this game. I have witnessed the Oilers dominate the league even when I was here before. Being a new team that dared to dislodge them [Oilers] in a seven game series gives me motivation to break the seven year winning streak. It can only sit well with the fans to have a new champion in the house! I feel up to the task of ending the noise.”

The Namuwongo Blazers, labelled as The Newcomers were constructed in 2015 before gaining promotion into the top tier league in 2019. A title win in the first time of asking, not only in the finals but in the entire post season would see the team punch their way into the 2024 Basketball Africa League qualifiers, a tournament Okal is not willing to see slip through his fingers after failing to clinch it with KPA due to logistical issues.

Okal also hopes to be a shining light to his girls team - Nakuru based Swish Women’s team, plus his ever supportive family led notably by his dad Major Elijah Koranga and sister Felmas Koranga, currently playing for US side Troy University.

“My family and girlfriend are my biggest fans. The girl’s team that I own also gives me the motivation to work harder and represent them as well as I can. The win will be dedicated to them.” The Doctor adds, mentioning his sisters Clara and Claudia Koranga, turning out for the aforementioned Women’s division one side, The Swish.

Having clawed back from the jaws of defeat, twice involved in elimination games to level the series 3-3, Ariel Okal is aware of the magnitude of pressure that awaits him on Friday night, as he plays his first ever Game 7 in his 12 year old professional basketball career.