Ime Okon has been named in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for upcoming friendlies against Panama, and South Africans are once again sounding like a broken record around the issue of the 22-year-old defender.
Just like it did last year, the conversation around Okon’s selection for the national team has shifted away from his footballing ability and onto questions of identity. Why are we like this?
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, Okon is as South African as any other player who pulls on the Bafana jersey. And yet, as we’ve seen with others, some question whether he is “truly” South African. The reality is that even if both his parents were Nigerian, he would still be South African if that is the identity he chooses.
Let’s call it what it is: xenophobia. And it should have no place in our society, let alone football. It ignores the simple fact that South Africa is made up of diverse backgrounds. To diminish Okon’s identity because of his father’s heritage is to insult not only him, but the millions of South Africans who share mixed cultural and national roots.
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.
When Okon was given the chance to play for Nigeria, he didn’t hesitate to say no. He wanted to play for South Africa. “It was never a difficult decision to choose which nation to represent,” he was quoted as saying at the time.
At just 22, Okon is a serious talent, and has already made the leap to European football with Hannover 96 in Germany. His calmness under pressure, intelligence on the ball, and strength are exactly the attributes South Africa need at this year’s World Cup in North America.
We should be delighted that a player of his calibre has chosen to represent us. We should be giving him our full backing, not subjecting him to doubts and divisions. When Okon takes the field for Bafana, he will be proving his commitment to South Africa.
In the end, representing Bafana Bafana should be the only qualification that matters. If a player is good enough and proud enough to wear the badge, then that should be the end of the conversation.
IOL Sport
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.
