Eko Hot Blog reports that in a patriotic appeal, former Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo has urged SuperSport United’s rising star Ime Okon to pledge his international allegiance to South Africa, his country of birth, over Nigeria.
Okon, a 20-year-old central defender, has caught the attention of both nations with his impressive performances in the Premier Soccer League this season.
Born in Johannesburg to a Nigerian father, Okon is eligible to represent either the Super Eagles or the Bafana Bafana. While the young defender has remained open to both possibilities, Hlatshwayo, who played alongside Okon at SuperSport United, believes Okon’s future lies with the South African national team.
“I have told him he needs to stay in South Africa because it will be difficult for him to crack the Nigeria national team,” Hlatshwayo stated. “To be able to crack the Nigerian national team, he needs to play in Europe — but we need him in Bafana Bafana.”
Hlatshwayo emphasized Okon’s deep-rooted connections to South Africa, where he grew up, studied, and honed his skills under the tutelage of coach Gavin Hunt. “He is South African and he speaks Afrikaans,” Hlatshwayo added, highlighting Okon’s cultural ties to the country.
The former Orlando Pirates defender also revealed a playful dynamic within the SuperSport United dressing room, where Okon’s divided loyalties often spark friendly banter. “He is a rebel, every time there is AFCON, when Nigeria is playing he is with Nigeria and when South Africa is playing against Nigeria we have a lot of banter in the team,” Hlatshwayo said with a chuckle.
As Okon continues to impress on the domestic stage, the tug-of-war for his international allegiance between the Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles is set to intensify, with Hlatshwayo’s passionate appeal adding weight to South Africa’s pursuit of the talented defender.
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