A father is the biggest source of inspiration for anyone, seeking to achieve huge success in life, and for Ariel Okall, it is not much difference. Okall, a seasoned Kenyan basketball player was hugely close to his father, the late Warrant Officer Two Elijah Koranga.
However, when the former military officer passed away two months ago, his son’s world came crashing down. The senior Koranga was a massive inspiration to his eldest son Ariel.
Not just being a father, but also being a retired sportsman. Senior Koranga was a former Kenyan football international who was part of Kenya’s squad at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations.
He brought a family of sportsmen and women, three of his kids playing basketball. The eldest Ariel, plays for Nairobi City Thunder, his younger sister Felmas plays in the United States as well as for the national women’s team and the younger Clara, plays locally for Swish.
So close were the ties between Ariel and his dad, that when he passed away suddenly two months ago, he struggled to get his basketball aura back in top shape.
However as Thunder prepared to head to their first ever Basketball Africa League (BAL) experience, Ariel, who has had massive global experience, had an inspiration; his father. He wanted to make him proud.
He opens up in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net on how his father’s passing pushed him to give his best in Kigali.
- How much did your dad inspire you heading into Kigali?
- I really so much wanted to go there and represent my father. I wanted to come here and make something happen and make him proud. He was always there for me and supported me and it gave me great pleasure to know that I was doing it for him in Kigali.
- How much of an influence was he to your career?
- He has been a massive influence for me. He was a sportsman and we always talked about this. He watched the first round when we played in Tanzania, he watched the Elite 16 when he qualified and I wished that he could have been here to watch this as well and especially when we got our first win.
But, life sometimes doesn’t give us what we wish for and I was inspired to come here and keep representing him, making him and the whole family proud. I felt inspired wearing the Koranga name on the back of my jersey. It has been an emotional rollercoster for me but I always have to move knowing that I am doing the best for him.
- It definitely was a huge thing for you stepping on the court and being part of the first ever Kenyan team at the BAL. How was it?
- It was really special. This is an opportunity that every player in Africa is now looking forward to and dreaming of. This is the first for me after multiple tries with different teams and it was a great feeling. We really wanted to win and have a massive performance, but we take it all in and pick lessons for next time.
- Generally, how would you sum up the tournament?
- I felt overall we did okay. At the start we were not really in sync as a team, we were not on the same page and that explains our first three losses. But, we started going deep and coming together as the tournament progressed and we played more as a unit, improved defensively and offensively. In the last three games we were really an improved team and played good basketball, showing the rest of the continent what we are about.
- The first win against MBB of South Africa was huge. What was the inspiration and what did you guys say to each other before the game, having suffered four consecutive losses?
- The night before the game we talked as a team. We said that our backs were against the wall and there were only two ways; we either get pinned and suffer or we fight and get ourselves off the hook. For us, there was only one way. The biggest inspiration is that everyone in the team had something or someone to play for and we told each other to play for our families and loved ones and play for Kenya. We had a chip on our shoulders and that gave us the momentum to get into the court and fight on. Winning was massive for us, it boosted our morale and we felt proud of how we represented our country.
- For you, it was a rollercoster because you hadn’t played much in the first three games, but you got more playing time for the win. What kept you going despite missing minutes?
- As a professional you always have to stay ready anytime when you are called upon. I have had experience and missing minutes didn’t bother me. I just remained focused and always ready for the team. When I was called upon I came in and gave my best.
- Do you feel that Thunder leaves Kigali as an improved team?
- Absolutely yes. We picked up so much during the six games and we have all improved. Not just on the court but off it as well. We have stayed together as a family, gave each other support and lifted each other up. In terms of basketball, the experience there has been great and has given us the hunger to go back next season.
- What are some of the lessons that you as Thunder draw from your debut performance at the BAL.
- First of all, it is just great being here. For all the young players who inspire to play at the BAL, I would tell them this is the best place to come and showcase their talent. There are plenty of lessons picked especially in terms of how we manage our games and the importance of getting locked in quick enough. I feel that was one of our biggest undoings. But, we are inspired to come back here next year and compete. I believe if we play our cards right we will be back and not just compete, but win the conference and qualify for the play-offs.
- Finally, your fans have been massive in Kigali, some travelling and Kenyans living in Rwanda. What is your word to them?
- Just a massive thanks because they really pushed is in all the six games. Energy is contagious and we really fed off their energy in the games. We could hear their voices in the court and that pushed us to give a good account of ourselves. We might not have perfomed as well as they would have wished but the promise is that next season, we are back bigger and better.
