No DNA, just RSA: Super Eagles left grounded as Ime Okon chooses Bafana Bafana
Defender Ime Okon could make his competitive debut for Bafana Bafana after being included in the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Ronwen Williams will once again captain the team. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Bafana Bafana play Nigeria in a crucial World Cup qualifier next month, and one of the players selected by head coach Hugo Broos rejected the chance to play for the Super Eagles.
Defender Ime Okon, who has a Nigerian father and South African mother, currently plays for Hannover 96 in Germany after completing a move from SuperSport United.
Due to his heritage, Nigeria were keen on him wearing the famous green and white, but Okon, who was born in South Africa, turned them down in favour of wearing the Bafana Bafana jersey on the international stage.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The Bafana Bafana squad for World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
He got his first taste of international football at the COSAFA Cup earlier this year, and when asked about his decision to snub Nigeria, he said his mind was always made up.
“It was never a difficult decision to choose which nation to represent,” Okon said during the tournament, according to SABC Sports.
“This is what I’ve always wanted. I’m really happy.
“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.”
Another player who was included in the senior national team for the first time ever was Orlando Pirates’ man of the moment Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Sebelebele was one of seven Orlando Pirates players named by Broos after an impressive start to life with the Soweto giants. Since moving from TS Galaxy last month, the 23-year-old has found the back of the net three times for his new club.
Another of Pirates’ impressive players named was teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has been entrusted with the captain’s armban despite being only 19 and playing in his first full season.
Portsmouth’s Luke Le Roux has been named, as has Siyabonga Ngezana of FCSB in Romania.
Once again, there is no place in the team for Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who had been named in the provisional squad last week.
Bafana have been designated as the away team in their game against Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein next week Friday. Four days later, they host Nigeria at the same venue. Broos’ men sit at the top of Group C of World Cup qualifiers, and have a five-point lead on second-placed Rwanda.
Maximum points from the two games will see them all but book their place in next year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Full Bafana Bafana squad
Goakleepers: Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Sipho Chaine [Orlando Pirates], Ricardo Goss [Siwelele FC],
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie [Siwelele FC], Zuko Mdunyelwa [Mamelodi Sundowns], Mbekezeli Mbokazi [Orlando Pirates], Khulumani Ndamane [TS Galaxy], Aubrey Modiba [Mamelodi Sundowns], Ime Okon [Hannover 96], Samukelo Kabini [Molde FK], Siyabonga Ngezana [FCSB],
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena [Mamelodi Sundowns], Bathusi Aubaas [Mamelodi Sundowns], Thalente Mbatha [Orlando Pirates], Luke Le Roux [Portsmouth FC]
Forwards: Kamogelo Sebelebele [Orlando Pirates], Oswin Appollis [Orlando Pirates], Patrick Maswanganyi [Orlando Pirates], Iqraam Rayners [Mamelodi Sundowns], Mduduzi Shabalala [Kaizer Chiefs], Mohau Nkota [Al-Ettifaq], Relebohile Mofokeng [Orlando Pirates].
IOL Sport