“I’m ready,” says Bafana defender Ime Okon on Hannover 96 move

Bafana Bafana defender Ime Okon has expressed his satisfaction and readiness for a new chapter in his career, following his official signing with German club Hannover 96.

 

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The promising 21-year-old talent shared his excitement about the move, highlighting his eagerness to embrace the challenges of playing in Germany.

The Bundesliga 2 side Hannover 96 announced the arrival of Okon on Tuesday, with the player putting pen to paper on a four-year deal with the German side.

He moves to Germany after his contract with Betway Premiership outfit SuperSport United expired.

And having recently made his Bafana Bafana debut at the 2025 COSAFA Cup, Okon, who was heavily linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, has instead chosen to take his career abroad.

“I am very happy to sign with Hannover 96 now,” said Okon. “I take up this challenge of being able to play in Germany with great pleasure.

“I really want to join the club, want to become a better player here and mature as a person. I would describe myself as a fast, robust defender – I am trying to bring in these strengths from now on and thus help the team.”

Meanwhile, Hannover 96’s management has weighed in on the acquisition of Ime Okon, with Managing Director Marcus Mann outlining the club’s long-term vision for the South African

defender.

“Ime is a player with exciting facilities and very good physical conditions. Christian Titz and André Kilian have been observing his path for some time,” said Mann. “We then obtained data on him in the scouting and evaluated his athletic profile, which is extraordinary.

“It is completely clear that he will need his time to adapt, but he is extremely willing to learn, so we absolutely see in him the potential to take a really good development. Now he should first arrive well in Hanover and in our team.”

In South Africa’s top league, Okon featured in 57 games for SuperSport United across all competitions, including the CAF Confederations Cup, scoring two goals.

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