Kenya Morans’ Ariel Okal celebrates sixth league title as Dynamo edge out holders Urunani in Burundi

© Ariel Okala Tiwtter.

Kenya Morans’ Ariel Okal celebrates sixth league title as Dynamo edge out holders Urunani in Burundi

Joel Omotto 16:30 - 05.08.2023

The Kenyan forward compared his latest triumph to the great Michael Jordan as he helped his side claim the Burundi Basketball crown following a five-year wait

Kenya Morans forward Ariel Okal has expressed his delight after adding another title to his glittering collection following Dynamo BBC’s victory over defending champions Urunani in the Burundi Basketabll Championships final on Friday.

Okal was part of the Dynamo squad that beat their bitter rivals 70-50 in Game 6 in the playoff final to reclaim the title they last won in 2018, taking his tally of championship wins to six in four countries.

The Kenyan played a pivotal role in Dynamos’ journey to success in Game 2, when he poured in 25 points, 15 coming from three-point range, while he also added six rebounds and four assists for his side, who won the game 94-66.

The two-time Kenya Basketball Federation champion reflected on the victory, comparing it to the great Michael Jordan, considered the greatest basketballer of all-time, who won six NBA titles.

“6 of the thangs like Mike,” Okal posted on social media, accompanying the comment with six rings to symbolise the win.

Dynamos had to come from behind to secure the win after losing Game 1 before they won three straight for a 3-1 lead after Game 4.

Their rivals, however, claimed Game 5 to make the sixth one a make-or-break for Dynamos and they kept their composure to get the win they needed to be crowed Viva Basketball League champions.

Okal, who signed a short-term deal with the Burundian side in May, won two Kenyan titles with Kenya Ports Authority and as many with Don Bosco Savio of Tanzania.

He also has a league title with Oman side Al Bashaer and came close to winning in Uganda last year, before his then club Namuwongo Blazers lost the decisive Game 7 in the final.