Kenyan Basketball’s 'Man City'? Okall’s signing makes Nairobi City Thunder legit title favorites

Nairobi City Thunder have taken the Kenya National Basketball Men’s Premier League by storm this season, racing to an impressive 8-0 record in their opening eight match-ups of the season, a feat that sees them lead the log with 14 points.

The off-season takeover of the club by Twende Basketball has seen their fortunes turnaround for the better with the acquisition of the crème de la crème basketball talents in the topflight, putting them on a collision course with the trio of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Ulinzi Warriors and Equity Dumas in gunning for top honors this term.

While many of their signings like former KPA shooting guard Ken Wachira and the return of seasoned veteran Faheem Juma have underlined their resolve to rival KPA for the title, it’s the signing of national team, morans, power forward Ariel Okall that caught the attention of basketball lovers, with many seeing it as a signature acquisition that will get them over the hump.

Okall who has not played locally since 2019 when he turned out for KPA, is joining the Thunder fresh from winning the Burundian Premier League. His addition to Bradley Ibs’ side will for sure given them an edge over their title rivals in terms of gunning for glory this term.  

Okall's signing looks different on paper as it presents a departure from the Thunder’s preseason signings, as Ibs primarily focused on landing excellent shooters from behind the arc.

Team manager Kooshin Deriye feels that apart from Okall’s enviable experience abroad, the 6’9 power forward’s arrival will beef up their interior defense given his toughness and excellent wingspan.

"We are excited to have Okall join us. He comes in with vast experience; he is a great having worked with him in our championship-winning season with KPA in 2019," said Kooshin.

Nairobi City Thunder’s roster is dominated by shooters with little presence of dominant players in the paint, a gap that Okall will fit perfectly.

"We have a lot of shooters in the team but lack defensive presence in the paint. Okall will help us dominate both defensively and offensively.

Apart from his dominance in the paint, Okall is very athletic and his agility is beyond most of the young players in the league. He is a high-octane player who will psyche in every possession.

“He is a horse; he never gets tired and we need that energy to help our team get better and also help our young guys to play better," explained Kooshin.

With the Thunder unbeaten so far this season, and the addition of Okall Koranga will make the team even more exciting with hoops lovers savoring match ups with their direct title rivals.  

"This season, my aim is to add value to the team. I know I have been all over the world and I would love to bring that vast experience to the team and help improve the team.

Okall made his debut in their 73-65 blow-out win against Equity Dumas on Friday at Nyayo National Stadium.