Bafana Bafana defender Siyanda Xulu has shared his thoughts on SuperSport United teenage sensation Ime Okon.
This comes after Okon was part of Hugo Broos’ Bafana preliminary squad set to face Namibia DR Congo. However, the Matsatsantsa starlet did not make the cut in Broos’ 23-man final squad.
Bafana will take on Namibia on Saturday, 9 September 2023 at Orlando Stadium, with kick-off set for 15:00.
South Africa will then face DR Congo three days later at 17h00 at the very same venue.
The 18-year-old centre-back was in the books of Randburg Football Club before he was signed by the Tshwane giants last season.
SIYANDA XULU ON HIS TEAMMATE IME OKON
The experienced defender, Xulu, stated that Okon has the potential to become the next big thing.
“A very good player. He has a great potential to be one of the best in South Africa,” Xulu told the Media during Bafana’s press conference at FNB Stadium.
“We normally have our chats every training session and every game. I’m trying to help him as far as I can, while I’m still around.
“Whatever he does, he must make sure that he always thinks about the future. The coach has identified him as one of the future.”
SIYANDA XULU URGES IME OKON TO STAY CONSISTENT
Xulu went on to advise the youngster to stay consistent in what he does, as he’s destined for greatness.
“So, he must just try to make sure that he stays consistent and I’m going to try to help him just for him to improve his game,” he added.
“This is something that other senior players have done for me. I don’t think it’s going to be something that’s new to me.
“Any young player knows how to handle my conversations because it’s always fruitful for me to see young players doing well, as I was a young player at some stage.”
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