Okon V Makhanya: Who Starts With Mbokazi?

With Mbekezeli Mbokazi expected to start for Bafana Bafana in their opening FIFA World Cup match against Mexico, Soccer Laduma looks into how Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya compare, as one of them are set to play alongside the Chicago Fire player.

Both Okon and Makhanya are coming from successful seasons at club level abroad, having secured regular game time in Germany and the USA respectively. Both defenders are 22 and have little experience at international level, meaning coach Hugo Broos has a big decision to make on who starts.

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Okon completed his first season in the Bundesliga 2 with Hannover 96 after making a move from SuperSport United and made 26 appearances in all competitions, with two goals to his name.

With his height and strength, Okon can make an impact both in defence and attack, whenever Bafana are presented with scoring opportunities from set pieces.

Makhanya, meanwhile, has been in the USA for three years, first starting out in the reserve side at Philadelphia Union before finall getting his first team chance under coach Bradley Carnell, who was recently let go by the Major League Soccer outfit.

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By the time he left Philadelphia to join Bafana for the World Cup, Makhanya had made 17 appearances for the club, with one goal to his name. Makhanya has shown he is comfortable with both feet and, like Okon, is strong in aerial battles.

Makhanya could have an advantage, considering he is familiar with the conditions in Mexico and the US.