Bafana Bafana defender Ime Okon: It is a special feeling for me to represent my country

Okon has enjoyed something of a metoric rise from his one season as a teenager in the SuperSport United DStv Diski Challenge side to his step up to the first team and then transfer to Bundesliga 2 club Hannover 96 last year.

Okon, now just 22-year-old is eager to add to his five South Africa caps and secure his place in Hugo Broos' World Cup squad.  

Speaking after arriving in camp as Bafana prepare to face Panama at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, an upbeat Okon said: "I'm very excited to be here amongst the guys. I'm just happy to be here and looking forward to the next few days."

Okon was forced to turn down a few previous call-ups from Bafana with injury and is now keen to make up for missed time on the international stage.

"I was at training [when I got the call], I was very excited because I knew this time I need to come no matter what, I'm just happy to be here," he said.

The player added that he has always dreamt of representing his county and feels his move to Germany has help improve his all-round game.

"Since adolescent years I've been working very hard and this is where I wanted to be [the senior national team and abroad], so this is about working hard and believing you will end up achieving what you want to achieve, that was always my view and all this is special to me.

"I think the Bundesliga 2 is very aggressive, quick, I've had to adapt quickly and those are the type of things that helped improve my game, the intensity has helped me grow," added Okon.