Bafana Bafana are currently in camp preparing for friendly matches against Latin American side Panama, and it’s seen as a big win for South Africa to at least have this on the calendar.
Panama are ranked 33rd in the world, but for any fans hoping that one day Bafana Bafana could play against the world’s most iconic football nations such as Brazil or Argentina, just know that the asking price is simply too high.
According to Bafana coach Hugo Broos, both Brazil and Argentina had quoted a similar fee of around $5 million (R85m) to make such a fixture possible.
“The best scenario should be that you can play against an Asian team, a Central American team and a European team. I spoke to Lydia [Monyepao], the CEO, and she told me that Brazil wants to play against us. I said, ‘very good, why not?’ she replied, ‘Yeah they are asking for $5 million to come,’” said Broos.
“A few months ago, Argentina also wanted to play in Johannesburg against us, for 5 million euros. You understand? It’s easy to say ‘Ah, why not that?’ So Panama is not coming free either, you have to pay also.”
Bafana Bafana set sights elsewhere
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos said Panama is a great choice of opponent as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.
South Africa will host the first match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, 27 March before facing the visitors in the second game in Cape Town on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
“It was the right decision to choose Panama to play two international games here in South Africa. We will learn a lot about the middle American style of playing football. The result is not that important, but I do not want to have two defeats or big defeats.
“We have to learn about those kinds of countries. But on the other hand I also want to see the Bafana Bafana I saw in the last three years. This was something we lost during the recent Africa Cup of Nations and we have to restore it, and that is why there are a few changes in our selections,” he said.
The SA squad will remain in Pretoria until Thursday and then travel to Durban ahead of their first match against Panama on Friday night.
FULL SQUAD TO FACE PANAMA
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Ricardo Goss [Siwelele FC], and Renaldo Leaner [Sekhukhune United].
Defenders: Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Khuliso Mudau [all Mamelodi Sundowns], Ime Okon [Hannover 96, Germany], Samukelo Kabini [Molde FK, Germany], Mbekezeli Mbokazi [Chicago Fire FC, USA], Thabang Matuludi [Polokwane City]
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams [all Mamelodi Sundowns], Thalente Mbatha [Orlando Pirates], Sphephelo Sithole [C.D. Tondela].
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng [all Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley, England], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota United FC, USA], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns] and Thapelo Maseko [AEL Limassol, Cyprus].