Ime Okon's Bafana Bafana selection puts Randburg FC on the map

Okon, who joined SuperSport’s reserve team from the Johannesburg amateur club in November 2022, has played the first three matches in the DStv Premiership and MTN8 this season. 

Randburg FC chairman Kevin Mudie says Okon, born to a South African mother and Nigerian father, has made them proud.

"I'm very, very happy for Ime, an outstanding young man, lovely, humble kid, and he deserves all the success he's had, and will get in the future," Mudie told SABC Sport.

"He's got a very, very bright future ahead of him, and I think ultimately we're hoping that one day he'll go on to Europe. 

"We're very proud of the fact that he's representing Bafana – although it is early days with a prelim call, we understand, but it's a name you're going to hear a lot about in the future. He's a fantastic player, and he's got all the attributes [to succeed].

"As a Randburg family member, so to speak, we're very proud [of his national recognition]. It's fantastic for us, and for Ime and his family."

Okon is among 13 defenders selected by Bafana coach Hugo Broos in the preliminary 36-man squad, which will be trimmed down to 23 next Thursday, before they play international matches against Namibia and DR Congo. 

According to Mudie, Okon was scouted during one of their Gauteng Development League (GDL) matches by United head coach Gavin Hunt, whom he believes will develop the 18-year-old into a top international player.

"Gavin has spoken to me on a number of occasions, he rates him [Okon] very highly, and there's no doubt in my mind that Ime's going to go onto better and bigger things overseas," he added.

"I know that's a big shout but Gavin has said to me on numerous occasions, 'Believe in this boy, he's going overseas. Gavin is a top coach, I have the utmost faith in him, and he will develop Ime even further in leaps and bounds from where he was with us."

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