SuperSport United veteran defender Thulani Hlatshwayo reveals his conversation with 20-year-old teammate Ime Okon about choosing Bafana Bafana over Nigeria.
20-year-old Nigerian-born Player, Ime Okon has been urged to play for South African ahead of his Father country Nigeria.
Born to a Nigerian Father and a South Africa Mother, he is eligible to play for both countries. The Defender plays for SuperSport United.
Okon has been invited twice by South Africa coach by Hugo Brooks. He was part of the 2023 AFCON Provisional Squad but didn’t make the final list.
Okon earlier said “I just don’t want any pressures, but I just keep my mind open to both and whatever comes first then we’ll see what happens because it’s quite a tough decision for me. South Africa is a country I was born and bred in, but Nigeria knows is my home where my dad is from”
“It’s very tough to make, but I feel like whenever the opportunity comes I’ll take it with both hands. I’ve spoken to coach Thabo September he also just advised me that I should just keep my options open, and whatever comes I should just take the opportunity.”
” I’d say for now it’s better with South Africa because with Hugo Broos he sees us around. With Nigeria, it’ll be quite tough, but I just do my best to also get a call up there.”
