Hannover 96 star delighted to get Bafana Bafana chance after ‘some problems’ stopped him initially

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Hannover 96 star delighted to get Bafana Bafana chance after ‘some problems’ stopped him initially
Ime Okon, Bafana Bafana defender

Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon is excited to get his Bafana Bafana chance following initial failures brought about by injuries.

South Africa will play Panama in international friendlies; the first match will be on Friday, March 27, at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with the second four days later at DHL Stadium.

Okon, who has been capped five times, reveals how he got the news about representing Mzansi against the Central American nation.

Ime Okon happy to make Bafana Bafana squad

“I’m very excited to be here and be amongst the guys. I had some problems before, but now I’m just happy to be back and looking forward to the training sessions and the next few games,” Okon told the media.

“I got the call while I was training, and I was excited because I knew I had to come this time, no matter what.

“I’ve been working hard because this is where I’ve always wanted to be. I believe everything falls into place when you keep working hard,” he added.

Life in Germany for Bafana Bafana star

The former defender of a now-defunct SuperSport United left for Germany at the end of last season. He has since explained how it is featuring in the Bundesliga 2 with Hannover 96. He further commented on possibility of making the 2026 World Cup squad.

“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,” Okon added.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos at AFCON 2025. Image: Imago
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos at AFCON 2025. Image: Imago

“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,” Okon concluded.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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