News Focus
- Ime Okon joins South Africa’s World Cup squad from Hannover 96
- Only five players from European leagues make the final 26-man list
- Coach Hugo Broos cuts his provisional party from 32 to 26 players
- Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates provide the majority of the team
- South Africa will face Mexico, Czech Republic and South Korea in Group A
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has selected Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon for the World Cup finals. The 22-year-old centre-back is one of just five players based in Europe.
Okon has just finished his first season in Germany. His club missed the promotion play-offs in the 2. Bundesliga on the final day. He moved to Hannover from SuperSport United at the start of the campaign. He also won his first cap for South Africa during this term.
The defender has a famous brother. Udeme Okon won a bronze medal in the 4×400 metres relay at the World Athletics Championships last year. Both brothers now represent South Africa on the world stage.
Broos named 26 players for the tournament. He reduced his list from 32 names last week. Most players come from domestic clubs Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. These teams are the current African champions and domestic league winners.
South Africa will play in the World Cup for the first time since 2010. That tournament took place in their own country. They won their qualification group. Nigeria, the country of Okon’s father, finished below them.
The team will play Mexico in their opening match. This is the same fixture as their first game in 2010. Group A also includes Czech Republic and South Korea.
The Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane (Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi (Pirates), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Samukele Kabini (Molde), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Ime Okon (Hannover 96)
Midfielders: Oswin Appollis, Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng (Pirates), Jayden Adams, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane (Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi (Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Iqraam Rayners (Sundowns)