Bafana Bafana defender Ime Okon believes the overwhelming presence of domestic-based talent in Hugo Broos’ squad is giving South Africa an edge as they head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages.
South Africa heads into the knockout stages boasting one of the highest numbers of locally-based players at the global showpiece. Statistically, Bafana ranks in the global top five—and number one in Africa—for retaining domestic talent on the world stage.
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Out of Hugo Broos’ 26-man tournament squad, 19 players ply their trade day in, day out in the South African top-flight. Reigning league champions Orlando Pirates and the newly-crowned 2026 CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns lead the local contingent, contributing eight players each to the national team.
Furthermore, every single player in the squad has roots in South African football, with the sole exception of Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole, who launched his professional career over in Portugal.
Okon, the former SuperSport United star who knows the local league inside out, insists that this domestic familiarity translates into instant on-field chemistry under the high pressure of World Cup football.
IME OKON: ‘THE UNDERSTANDING AMONGST US IS REALLY GOOD’
“I think it’s very much of an advantage, you know? Everybody really understands each other,” Okon told journalists ahead of Sunday’s clash.
“I was playing in the same league just a season ago, so the understanding amongst all of us is really good. That’s something we have used to our advantage. It helps us a lot as a team, it helps us work harder, understand each other much better, and just do our best.”
South Africa is set to square off against co-hosts Canada in a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday evening [9pm CAT].
Having already made history by navigating past the group stage for the first time, a victory tonight will see Hugo Broos’ charges rewrite the record books yet again by marching into the World Cup Round of 16.
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