“I had to come this time” — Okon seizes second chance with Bafana

Fresh of a plane from Europe, Ime Okon is embracing a fresh start with Bafana Bafana, determined to make the most of his latest opportunity after overcoming an untimely setback.

The 22-year-old defender, currently on the books of Hannover 96 in the second tier of German football, returns to the national setup after missing out on a previous camp due to injury — a frustration that briefly halted his international progress.

Having made his debut during the COSAFA Cup in June last year, Okon had already caught the attention of head coach Hugo Broos, who recently confirmed the technical team had been monitoring him closely.

Now back in the fold, the Johannesburg-born centre-back is part of the squad preparing for two international friendlies against the Panama national football team — fixtures that form a key part of South Africa’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana are set to host the Central Americans in Durban on Friday before travelling to Cape Town for the return leg on next Tuesday, offering Okon a timely platform to stake his claim.

“I’m very excited to be here and be amongst the guys,” Okon said.

“I had some problems before, but now I’m just happy to be back and looking forward to the training sessions and the next few games.”

For the young defender, the call-up carried added significance.

“I got the call while I was training, and I was excited because I knew I had to come this time, no matter what.”

It is a mindset shaped by persistence.

Okon believes his return to the national team is a direct result of consistency and belief, having continued to push through challenges while developing his game abroad.

“I’ve been working hard because this is where I’ve always wanted to be. I believe everything falls into place when you keep working hard…,” he said.

Despite the opportunity, his approach remains grounded.

“Nothing has really changed. The goals are still the same. I have personal ambitions, and this is one of them. I’m just going to keep pushing and working hard to achieve everything I’ve set out to.”

Okon has featured regularly for Hannover this season, gaining valuable experience and confidence — attributes he now hopes to translate onto the international stage.

With competition for places intensifying, these upcoming fixtures may prove decisive.