Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his preliminary squad as South Africa begins preparations for two international friendlies against Panama later this month. The squad will be trimmed to a final group of 23 players next week.
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2026 FIFA WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS
The matches form part of South Africa’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the technical team looking to fine-tune combinations and test the depth of the squad before the global tournament.
Bafana Bafana are scheduled to face Panama in two high-profile fixtures. The first match will take place on Friday, 27 March 2026 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban with kick-off set for 19:00 SAST. The teams will then travel to Cape Town for a second clash on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 at DHL Stadium, scheduled for a 19:30.
Both matches are expected to be broadcast live on SABC and SuperSport, giving local fans a chance to see the national team in action before they head to North America for the World Cup.
BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD TO FACE PANAMA
Broos has emphasised the importance of the matches, with Panama currently ranked 33rd in the world compared to South Africa’s 60th position. The fixtures are expected to provide a strong test for the squad.
The Belgian coach believes the games will offer valuable preparation as Bafana Bafana gear up to face similar opposition at the World Cup, where they are set to meet Mexico and South Korea in the group stage.
Supporters will also have the opportunity to attend both matches, with tickets available through Ticketpro. Prices start at R80 for adults and R50 for children under the age of 12.
Below is the full preliminary Bafana Bafana squad named by Hugo Broos:
Goalkeepers
- Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC)
- Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
- Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United)
- Darren Johnson (AmaZulu)
Defenders
- Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union – USA)
- Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates)
- Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
- Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United)
- Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers – England)
- Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
- Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Ime Okon (Hannover 96 – Germany)
- Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK – Norway)
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire – USA)
Midfielders
- Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
- Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City)
- Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC)
- Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth – England)
- Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela – Portugal)
Forwards
- Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
- Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United – USA)
- Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
- Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
- Lyle Foster (Burnley – England)
- Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
- Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
- Yanela Mbuthuma (Orlando Pirates)
- Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates)
- Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq – Saudi Arabia)
- Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns).
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Broos is expected to reduce the squad to 23 players next week as Bafana Bafana make their final preparations for the upcoming international friendlies and the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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