Kenya Morans forward Ariel Okal believes they have a chance to return to the FIBA Afro-Basket finals next year.
Realistically, he said they can win at least two matches during the FIBA Afro-Basket Qualifiers Window 1 slated for Tunisia February 23-25.
In an interview after the morning training sessions at Nyayo on Thursday, the widely-traveled star said they are aware of the task that lies ahead in Tunisia but are ready.
Kenya open their four-team campaign against host Tunisia before meeting Angola and winding up their fixtures against Guinea.
Okal, one of the most experienced stars on the national side, said they have met Tunisia and Angola before and remain aware that Angola, a team they beat via a Tylor Ongwae buzzer in Cameroon four years ago, will come out fighting.
“They will be coming for revenge. We are all ready to return to Afro-Basket. This time, we are more experienced and we have a better team,” Okal noted.
He remains unperturbed about the late arrival of diaspora-based players, saying they are all professionals who have the experience and would fit into the team anytime.
“We know what is ahead of us and we will help one another as players to grasp whatever we learn in training.”
Of the 13 diaspora-based players named to the team, Desmond Owili who plies his trade in Australia as well, and Bramwel Muchina who plays in Tanzania, are back home. Assistant coach Ancette Wafula said the team is a mix of youth and experience.
“We know what to work on. Our friendly game with South Sudan was helpful because our opponents are tall and it gave us a chance to work with height having our opponents in mind,” Wafula said.
