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Bafana Bafana and SuperSport United defender Ime Okon says he's always wanted to represent the South African national team.
Born to a Nigerian father and South African mother in Johannesburg, Okon has been a subject of interest to Bafana Bafana and possibly the Nigerian Super Eagles since he made his debut for SuperSport United in 2023.
During the recent COSAFA Cup in Bloemfontein, the Randburg football club product made his debut for Bafana, ending the debate about his choice.
"It's been a great experience with the national team, all of the players and coaches have been very helpful and welcoming. Hopefully, I can get many more call-ups in the future.
"It was never a difficult decision to choose which nation to represent," said the powerful young center-half.
Okon was just 19 years-old when he first received a national team preliminary call-up from head coach Hugo Broos, with the Belgian mentor monitoring players who featured in this tournament.
This is what the young man wants to hear.
"If he's monitoring us, then that will mean a lot to me and to the rest of the guys because many of us want to represent the country and play for the main Bafana Bafana group," explained Okon.
Okon is also strongly rumoured to be leaving his club when his contract expires this month, with the big three in the country and some clubs in the Scandinavian region watching closely.
But speaking to SABC Sport during the tournament, he was coy on the matter.
"I've just been focused on the tournament for now, but once I get home, I'll focus on everything outside of the pitch."
With some players in the Bafana Bafana squad that were playing under coach Vela Khumalo also being monitored by clubs in the Scandinavian countries, in particular in this tournament, Okon says the regional showpiece has been a perfect platform to showcase their talent to other markets around the world.
