SuperSport United are bracing themselves for the potential loss of their promising young defender, Ime Okon, as his highly anticipated move to a European club appears increasingly likely.
The club’s CEO, Stanley Matthews, and coach, Gavin Hunt, have accepted the likely departure of the young defender.
Okon’s future at the club is uncertain following interest from Belgium. Earlier this year in January, the 20-year-old went on an assessment at Danish side Midtjylland FC. Last season, the talented centre-back was one of the key players for Matsatsantsa.
All-in-all, he made a massive 33 appearances in all competitions. In a match against Egypt’s Modern Future FC in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages, he was named the captain. SuperSport has a well-earned reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier talent, consistently nurturing young players who go on to achieve stardom.
Season after season they have been losing their young talent that would have impressed in the senior team. Ahead of the 2023/24 PSL season, Bafana Bafana attacker Thapelo Maseko was snapped by Tshwane giants Mamelodi Sundowns after great displays.
Then, last month, SA Under-20 star Shandre Campbell completed a move to Belgian side Club Brugge. However, for now, the winger will be playing for the academy side NXT in the Challenger Pro League, Belgium’s second division.
WHAT STANLEY MATTHEWS AND GAVIN HUNT SAID ABOUT IME OKON
The two SuperSport figures have hinted that Ime Okon may be leaving the club this season if the deal with the interested club is successful.
“Obviously, Ime [Okon] is going to Belgium soon,” said Hunt. The CEO further added that he’s trying to build a team that is balanced as he might be losing Okon after Campbell left the club.
“We might be losing Ime [Okon] as well. But we have tried to say we have lost, but what can we gain and how can we balance this team.”
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