Stop the xenophobia: Ime Okon is proudly South African
South African through and through Defender Ime Okon could make his internatioal competitive debut for Bafana Bafana in World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, the country of his father's birth, next month. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Much of the conversation around Ime Okon’s selection for Bafana Bafana 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 gold Bafana jersey. And yet, as we’ve seen with others – most recently beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina and rugby player Hacjivah Dayimani – some question whether he is “truly” South African.
Let’s call it what it is: xenophobia. Finish and klaar.
This toxic mentality of “abahambe” has no place in our society, let alone in our 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.
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Okon himself has made his feelings crystal clear. When given the chance to play for Nigeria, he didn’t hesitate to say no. His heart was never torn in two. He said, “It was never a difficult decision to choose which nation to represent.” His dream has always been to wear the Bafana jersey. And yet, instead of celebrating his loyalty and pride in choosing South Africa, some still want to gatekeep his identity.
That’s not just unfair – it’s self-destructive. The beautiful game is about unity, about rallying behind a common cause. When South Africa runs out against Nigeria and Lesotho in these crucial World Cup qualifiers, it should not matter whether Okon’s roots trace back to Nigeria, Lesotho, or anywhere else. What matters is that he is committed, talented, and willing to give everything for the badge. You, sitting behind your computer tweeting hateful comments, what have you done to represent this country on the world stage?
Make no mistake, Okon is a serious talent. At only 21, he has already made the leap to European football with Hannover 96 in Germany. He’s calm under pressure, intelligent on the ball, and physically strong – exactly the kind of defender South Africa needs as they chase a return to the World Cup.
So instead of questioning his bloodline, we should be celebrating the fact 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 won’t only be proving himself as a footballer – he’s proving his commitment to South Africa.
The truth is simple: Ime Okon is South African. He has chosen us. Now it’s time we choose him, without hesitation.
IOL Sport
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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