NAIROBI (Kenya) - The Morans – Kenya men's national basketball team – have what it takes to battle for honours in the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda.

These are the words of Algeria-based star forward Ariel Okall who is aware that it has been quite a long time since the country last participated in the AfroBasket 27 years ago.

But before they book their ticket to Kigali for the 16-team continental festival, first Kenya must navigate their way through a tough Group B of the Qualifiers that includes giants Senegal, Angola and Mozambique.

The four team event is slated for Dakar in November with the other qualifying window set for February at a venue to be determined.

Three top teams will make it through to the finals.

'The Doctor', as he is fondly referred to, is one of the players Kenya is banking on in their quest to qualify for the big show for only the fourth time, and he is ready to lead the team for the task ahead.

Ariel Okall is seen in action at FIBA AfroCan 2019 against Tunisia

"The group is tight. It will be one of the toughest hurdles we have encountered yet. Angola have done it. You don't just wake up and beat them, you have to prepare well in order to achieve the set goal," he said.

"Senegal have also been there and performed well and they have great players on various leagues. The same goes to Mozambique. These teams have an edge over us in terms of experience and maybe structures."

But Kenya, said Okall, have done extremely well going by their latest performances. They have cleaned the house and put everything in order. They are ready for the showdown.

He noted that many years have gone by and the country under coach Cliff Owuor have now produced many new crop of players who have rejuvenated the game so there is hope.

"People love basketball in Kenya now because of what these young men have been able to do in the last year or so," he pointed out. "We have a great personnel and team chemistry we cannot underrate that. The cohesiveness in the team is what makes us thrive. If we look at our last performances we had tough wins and tough losses too."

The Pre Qualifiers in Nairobi and the FIBA AfroChan event last year in Bamako, Mali are moments that defined the team. Kenya might not be an African giant but he believes, they have what it takes to face the best.

Okall remains optimistic that if Kenya's top players make it home from the diaspora, the team will have depth and quality ready to take on any side. There is talent too among the  players who play locally.

Head coach Owuor announced last month that he has his eyes set on six USA-based players whom he is pursuing vigorously to bolsters the team's chances during the Qualifiers.

"As much as the task is hard, we shouldn't have excuses. We should be able to compete and play great basketball and make it to Kigali in 2021," said the 2.06m (6ft 9in) forward.

He went on saying: "When that finally happens, the game will definitely turn around and things will look great for our basketball at home."

Kenya finished second at the inaugural FIBA AfroCan last year in Mali

But with days drawing closer, his main worry remains the players’ fitness as Kenya faces seasoned teams in one of its most important Africa qualifiers.

Okall joined Algerian side Union Sportive Setif this year after a four-year stint in Oman with Ahli Sidab and Dhofar from 2015. He noted that there is need for players to start preparing for the qualifiers.

"As an athlete my worry right now is players' fitness and how bad the COVID-19 pandemic has affected us. We will have to start slow because of injuries," the 30-year-old said.

He added: "We need to be in the gym. We need to start working towards that AfroBasket dream."

The break, he said, has been long and has come in a year where Kenya is playing one of the most important Qualifiers.

Okall, who starred for Morans during the January Pre-Qualifiers in Nairobi where he averaged 7.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, said preparations are key for a tournament of this magnitude.

"We would have loved to be active and prepare well but that is impossible because of the circumstances caused by the pandemic."

He revealed that he has personally maintained a serious workout plan with the help of his coaches in Setif and his personal trainer.

"We have worked hard every single day since the break started until now. It will not be the same when I get back on court. A lot of sacrifice and effort will be required from each and every member of the team," he explained.

The game shape has been affected and he remains aware he will have to work extremely hard within a short period of time to recover all the lost time.

FIBA