Okon: It is really motivating

04 Oct 2026, 10:59 by Lovemore Moyo · KickOff

Ime Okon believes Bafana Bafana’s rise has provided motivation for him as he continues to establish himself as a regular.

Okon has had to overcome the usual disdain from some based on his roots through breaking into the senior national team in a career that started out at Florida Albion before proceeding to Orlando Pirates juniors, Randburg FC, SuperSport United, and German club Hannover 96.

The former Florida Park High School student was one of four players who featured in every minute of all four matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup along with Ronwen Williams, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Khuliso Mudau.

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And so, his contributed has been with weight in Bafana’s rankings rise into the top 50.

"It is really motivating and when you see the teams in front of you then you believe that you can get more places (up).

"It is very motivating.

"We just looking forward to getting better spots now," says Okon ahead of Sunday’s international friendly against Egypt.

"As we know, Egypt is one of the biggest teams in Africa and as a player you always want to play the best teams.

"You always want to challenge yourself and I think the feeling within the team is very exciting to play against them and test ourselves and show them what we are about.

"I think all the guys are really excited and looking forward to the game,” he notes while highlighting Pitso Mosimane’s approach during the camp.

"The coach knows what he wants and he tells us what he wants, and we have to put it on the pitch and work hard.

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"It is very intense but that is what we signed up for, and it is working for us, and we are happy with it.

"We know each other quite well in the group…we get along well and we are winning so it is a good feeling in the camp.

"We are just enjoying the time here," says Okon.

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Okon: It is really motivating

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