Should Okon play for Bafana or Nigeria? Hunt shares his thoughts

SuperSport United’s promising defender Ime Okon is yet to decide which country to play for but his coach Gavin Hunt is not concerned.

The 20-year-old has shown maturity and quality since his breakthrough into the Matsatsantsa first team.

He even captained the club once this season during their CAF Confederation match.

There has been speculation about his future international career, given the fact that he is eligible to play for both South Africa and Nigeria.

Hunt, who has coached the young centre-back for two seasons, says Okon must concentrate on his club career.

“Right now he’s got to concentrate on getting into the SuperSport team and stamping his spot in our place first before you start thinking about that,” Hunt told iDiski Times.

“Those things always come, they’ll find his path, they’ll find a way. It’s like any young player. The problem in South Africa with the young players, a lot of things off the field goes on and you need to concentrate on what you need to do on the field first.

Gavin Hunt says Okon’s international career will follow

“And get better at doing what he’s supposed to be doing, and then those things will unfold on their own.

“So it’s a pity about the U20 squad because I think he’s a year older. Now I don’t think he fell in that category. So it’s a bit unfortunate.”

Hunt has often preferred to pair young Okon with former Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates defender Thulani Hlatshwayo.

Former Bafana Bafana captain said if Okon chooses the Super Eagles over Bafana, he’ll stop helping him.

“He grew up here, he studied here and coach Gavin Hunt took him from Randburg Football Club. He is South African and he speaks Afrikaans.

“I told him I am going to stop helping him if he chooses to play for Nigeria because there are things in his game that need to be polished,” he said.

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