Exclusive: Why Kenya Morans’ Star Wants to End Career in South America

A collage image of Kenyan international Ariel Okal in celebratory moods (left) and him posing for a photo (right).
A collage image of Kenyan international Ariel Okal in celebratory moods (left) and him posing for a photo (right).
PHOTO:
Courtesy
Okall Koranga/Facebook

Ariel Okal, one of Kenya’s best basketball players of the 21st century, divulged that he would like to end his incredible career in South America.

In an exclusive interview with TeamKenya.co.ke, the Morans forward stated that he would be happy if he finally ends up playing for one of the South American clubs.

“I am looking to end it there one way or another. I have been working on it. Last year I got a few offers but I was already on a team so I missed that opportunity,” he revealed. 

Also Read: How Okal Helped Kenyan Star Felmas Koranga Land USA Scholarship

Okal, who comes from a sporty family, further stated that he would change the lives of other Kenyan players if the move materializes.  

“I believe if I can go there and put in the work, I will have completed my world tour and also open up ways for players from Kenya.

“That has been my thing since I started. I tend to go somewhere and bring in others, something that helps grow our game,” explained the former KPA player.

Okal is not the only player who plays professional basketball in his family. His younger sister, Felmas Koranga is one of the best players in the United States.

When asked why he has never thought about playing professional basketball in Europe, his reply was priceless. 

According to him, a move to Europe does not intrigue him due to the crazy taxation and labour laws.

Okal has played for numerous clubs in Asia, particularly those located in the Eastern region of the vast continent.

Some of the clubs he has had stints with include Dhofa, Bashaer and Ahli. He currently plays for the latter.

He joined Ahli at the last minute after turning down an offer from a Tunisian club.

Okal has been a mainstay in the Kenyan national team, Morans, since making his debut.

The son of Elijah Koranga, an ex-Harambee Stars player, disclosed that he enjoys playing in Asia due to the competitive nature of their leagues. 

“I found lots of success here in Arabia. They have introduced a west Asia basketball league now. It has some of the best players from the Arab leagues.

"A number of them have been to BAL the competition is lit and that is also a reason why I like it here,” he ended.

Also Read: Koranga Makes History in US Basketball