Bafana Bafana defender Ime Okon has expressed how special it is to be with the national team again as he reflected on his meteoric rise from amateur football in South Africa to Germany in the space of a few years.
Having joined SuperSport United from AFC Randburg as a teenager, Okon spent just one season in the DStv Diski Challenge before being promoted to the first-team where he became an integral part of the defence and eventually landing a transfer to Hannover 96.
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His technical ability on the ball, aggression, 1v1 strengths and his pace made him one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) which saw several European clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns make offers for his services.
However, the Bundesliga 2 side, who are in contention for promotion secured his signature and he’s become a maintsay in their back-three defence since his arrival.
“I’m very excited to be here amongst the guys, I had some problems before that held me back [from being with the squad again]. So I’m just happy to be here and looking forward to the next few days,” he said.
“I was at training [when I got the call], I was very excited because I knew this time I need to come no matter what, I’m just happy to be here.
“Since adolescent years I’ve been working very hard and this is where I wanted to be [the senior national team and abroad], so this is about working hard and believing you will end up achieving what you want to achieve, that was always my view and all this is special to me.
“I think the Bundesliga 2 is very aggressive, quick, I’ve had to adapt quickly and those are the type of things that helped improve my game, the intensity has helped me grow.”
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