Hailing from the heart of Nakuru’s neighbourhoods, Th3 Swish, a professional basketball team, is intensifying their preparations ahead of their participation in the Sterling Super Cup Challenge, which kicks off today at 5 pm at the Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium.
Led by head coach and Kenya Morans power guard Ariel Okal, the team is ready to take on the challenge.
In this tournament, both the men’s and women’s teams are competing in the senior category. They will face off against ANU of Nazarene on Saturday at 1 pm and Zetech Sparks in game 14 on Sunday at 1 pm.
Ariel Okal, the driving force behind the Nakuru-based Swish, is confident that his team, which secured a top-three finish in this year’s KBF Division One games, will rise to meet the demands of the new league.
“The secret is planning well, you have to manage the team well and have the right individuals that
bring value and understand our culture,” he said.
Despite being eliminated in the quarters of the Sterling Gold Cup U23 Ladies Basketball Championship in early June, Okal remains optimistic about clinching the title. He expressed the team’s readiness, especially after welcoming senior girls who have transitioned to the Kenya Basketball Premier League.
Okal, a 33-year-old basketball enthusiast, founded the Swish team amidst the challenges of school fees, early marriages, and female genital mutilation prevalent in his locality of Nakuru. Observing the struggles and aspirations of Swish’s rising stars, Okal envisions a future of hope through the sport.
Ariel Okall, a formidable power forward for Kenya’s men’s basketball, is determined to lead the Swish Team in their debut season in the Women’s Premier League, following their promotion from Division One. Okall’s coaching expertise and optimism about their chances of advancing to the top-tier league next season have driven intense preparations.
While Swish’s inclusion in the KNBL Premier League is pending confirmation, Okall remains hopeful that they will secure a spot in the league, regardless of the format it takes.
A scion of a sporty family, Okal aims to change the lives of fellow Kenyan players if this move materializes. His aspiration is not limited to personal success; he intends to create opportunities for others and contribute to the growth of basketball in the country.
“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’s impact is not singular, as his younger sister, Felmas Koranga, ranks among the finest players in the United States. This family legacy has garnered Okal six championship victories in four different countries.
The Swish Team’s journey and Ariel Okal’s commitment exemplify the resilience and promise of Kenya’s basketball scene, fostering optimism for the game’s future growth and success.
