Okon credits Bundesliga 2’s aggression and intensity for fast-tracking his growth

Okon moved to Germany at the end of last season to join Hannover 96, a team that sits third in Bundesliga 2 and is chasing promotion to the Bundesliga. The 22-year-old says that quick adaptation to the footballing conditions in Germany has helped him settle and make an impact there. He says the intensity and the aggression in that league are bringing maturity to his game.

"In the Bundesliga 2 it's very aggressive and quick so I had to adapt quickly. I think those are the type of stuff that have made me better my game since I've been here and you can say that's much of the growth, just the intensity," said Okon

READ: Broos reveals that Brazil are keen to play Bafana Bafana but asking for $5 million

A product of the Florida Albion Academy and the Randburg Football Club, Okon’s quick rise also saw him not even completing six months in the SuperSport United academy before making the Premier Soccer League derby. Okon, will be hoping to make his mark in this camp and also be part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

"Since adolescent years I've been working hard. This has been where I want to be so I think everything just falls in place once you just keep on working hard and you believe that you going to end up achieving what you want to achieve. That was just my view on everything so, Ja, It's just very special for me." 

Despite this being Okon’s first call-up to the senior Bafana Bafana team, he featured in the COSAFA Cup squad last year, playing five matches and scoring a goal. He’s also happy to have seen so many young defenders having established themselves as regulars at Bafana Bafana.

Twice last year, after being part of the preliminary squad, Okon couldn’t make the team due to injuries, and he’s now happy to have finally honoured the call-ups.