Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has dangled a strong incentive in front of Ime Okon, saying it is up to the young defender to prove he deserves a long-term place in the national team.
Broos named Okon in his final squad for the two Fifa World Cup warm-up matches against Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium and DHL Stadium on March 27 and 31, respectively.
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, Okon is South African. However, since receiving his maiden call-up to the final squad late last year – one he could not honour due to injury – the 22-year-old has faced scrutiny on social media regarding his identity and nationality.
Okon has defended his nationality, stating that he is South African and would not entertain a call-up from Nigeria’s Super Eagles, especially after showing his allegiance by representing the junior national team.
His hard work and loyalty have now been rewarded by Broos. Speaking at the SABC studios in Auckland Park on Thursday, Broos highlighted Okon’s importance at Bundesliga 2 side Hannover 96 as justification for his inclusion.
“Don’t underestimate the level of the second division in Germany. It’s quite a high level. There are tough games to play,” said Broos. “When you are always in the team, that means everybody is happy with you at the club.
“When we look at his games and are more than satisfied, then you have to call him up. It’s up to him to prove that he’s ready to be with Bafana Bafana.”
With Broos placing strong emphasis on a player’s mentality and ability to integrate within the squad, he warned that Okon must impress both on and off the pitch during the upcoming camp.
“Mentally, it’s also important that he succeeds. I know him as a football player, I don’t know him as a human being. I haven’t spoken to him yet. I will see now this week. Maybe after this week, we may have to say ‘sorry’ and not call him back,” Broos said.
*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media’s senior football reporter and a panelist on the group’s soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch
