Ime Okon encouraged by South Africa’s progress after strong run of results

South Africa defender Ime Okon says the country’s national teams are moving in the right direction after a series of positive results across the age groups and senior side.

Bafana Bafana have made a perfect start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, beating Guinea and Eritrea to sit top of Group D. The group also contains co-hosts Kenya.

South Africa’s progress has extended beyond the senior team. The U20s won the COSAFA championship, while the U23s continued their preparations for qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games by defeating Algeria in a friendly.

Okon, who is currently with the senior squad, believes the results reflect the work being done throughout South African football.

“I think we are very much headed in the right direction,” he said. “The academies have been doing well over the past few years, bringing players into the setup, and I think it’s just a true reflection of South African football at the moment. We can only go up from here.”

Bafana Bafana have also moved into the top 50 of the FIFA World Cup rankings for the first time in more than a decade.

Okon said the rise had given the squad further motivation, with Pitso Mosimane now in charge after succeeding Hugo Broos.

“It’s really motivating and then you see the teams that are in front of you and you believe that you can actually get more places,” he added. “You can go more down and it’s very motivating, and we just look forward to getting better spots now.”

South Africa face another demanding test against Egypt, the third-highest-ranked team in Africa. Bafana Bafana have only recently entered the top 10 on the continent.

Okon said the match would provide an opportunity for the players to measure themselves against one of Africa’s leading sides.

“As we know, Egypt is one of the biggest teams in Africa and as a player you always want to play the best teams, always want to challenge yourself,” he said.

“So, yeah man, I think the feeling within the team is very excited to play against them and test ourselves also and to show them what we are about. I think all the guys are really excited and looking forward to the game.”