Okall confident of success as Kenya Morans leave for Kigali

Morans player Ariel Okal in a past training session at Nyayo Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Morans forward Ariel Okall is optimistic of making history in the upcoming 30th edition of the Fiba AfroBasket Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.

The national team left the country yesterday ahead of the African finals which will run between August 24 and September 5 at the Kigali Arena.

But the former KPA star feels the morale is high within the team as they return to the Africa’s premier basketball competition for the first time in 28 years. 

“Our story has been that of lessons and good experience. We achieved what many thought was just dream and now we march towards the championships with full confidence,” said Okall.

Morans will play their first match on August 25 against Côte d’Ivoire before facing Nigeria on August 27. Their last Group C match will see them tackle Mali on Sunday next week.  

Today, Morans will be looking to sharpen their nails further when they play Senegal in a friendly match in Kigali.

Kenya might also play Uganda in their last warm up match tomorrow as head coach Liz Mills and assistant coach Sadat Gaya look to get the best out of the team.

However, Morans have been hit with a double blow after their two key players withdrew from the squad.

US-based Joel Awich and Preston Bungei who plies his trade in Australia will both miss the AfroBasket even after forming part of the Moran side that stunned continental giants Angola 74-73 during the the qualifiers.

The travelling party includes forward Tylor Ongwae (Denmark), centre Tom ‘Bush’ Wamukota, who plays for Rwandan champions Patriots and Ariel Okal (Oman).