Bafana Bafana defender Ime Okon has weighed in on his central-defensive partnership with Mbekezeli Mbokazi following their solid group stage displays at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The global showpiece, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, commenced on June 11 and is set to conclude on July 19, 2026.
Hugo Broos’ charges were pitted against co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea in Group A. Despite a tough start, Bafana managed to secure second place in the group, collecting four points from their three outings.
Bafana endured a shaky start to the tournament, losing 2-0 to Mexico on June 11, but recovered well to draw 1-1 with the Czech Republic on June 18. They ultimately secured passage to the Round of 32 with a crucial 1-0 win over South Korea in their final group outing on June 25.
As a result, South Africa has progressed to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.
Okon and Mbokazi have been rock solid for Broos’ defence, starting all three group-stage matches together. Their partnership has grown from strength to strength, culminating in a crucial clean sheet against South Korea to secure qualification. Bafana’s defence has conceded three goals in three games so far in the globa showpiece.
‘WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER MORE’: IME OKON
Speaking during Bafana’s press conference on Saturday ahead of their historic knockout clash, Okon credited their understanding to the hard work put in on the training pitch, while emphasising the collective effort of the entire defensive unit.
“Well, we work together in training, you know. The more we work together in training, the more we understand each other,” Okon told the media.
“But it’s not only about us, but it’s also about the whole defence, the guys in front of us, our skipper [Ronwen Williams] behind us. So, with more training, we get together and understand each other even better.”
Bafana are now gearing up to face Canada in the much-awaited Round of 32 tie tonight – Sunday, 28 June, at the Los Angeles Stadium.
The high-stakes match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00 [SA Time] as South Africa looks to extend their historic World Cup run.
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