Ime Okon Joins Hannover 96: A Look at South Africans Who Have Played in Germany

Ime Okon’s recent move to German side Hannover 96 has placed him on a growing list of South African footballers who have ventured to one of Europe’s most competitive football landscapes. The 21-year-old defender, who completed his transfer as a free agent, has made history by becoming the first Bafana Bafana representative to sign for the Bundesliga 2 club.

The deal, facilitated by his agency Football First, was announced earlier this week. Interestingly, Okon’s agent, Lance Davids, is no stranger to German football. Between 2002 and 2006, Davids plied his trade with TSV 1860 Munich, marking the start of what became a steady stream of South African talent heading to Germany.

One of the trailblazers for South Africans in German football was Delron Buckley. The Durban-born winger remains the most capped South African in German leagues, having amassed 355 appearances over an impressive career in Europe. Buckley enjoyed spells at several top-flight clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, where he was part of the squad during a key phase in the club’s history.

Another notable name is Steven Pienaar, affectionately known as “Schillo” in football circles. While Pienaar is most widely remembered for his time with Ajax Amsterdam and Everton in the English Premier League, he also spent a season at Borussia Dortmund. His stint in Germany saw him feature in 27 matches, providing one assist before making his move to England.

Siyabonga Nkosi is another South African who tested himself in the Bundesliga. Nkosi, known for his creativity in midfield, had a spell with Arminia Bielefeld, adding valuable European experience to his career before returning home to South Africa.

Glenn Jordens, though not as widely known, also had a brief experience in German football, contributing to the list of South Africans who have stepped onto German pitches over the years.

Okon’s move signifies another important milestone for South African footballers seeking to grow their careers abroad. With Hannover 96 pushing for Bundesliga promotion, the young defender will be hoping to make an immediate impact and follow in the footsteps of his predecessors who found success on German soil.