Broos zeros in on World Cup preparations, names preliminary squad for Panama friendlies

Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has named a preliminary squad for the two home friendly matches against Panama later this month as preparations intensify ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

The squad features several regulars, although there is no place for Orlando Pirates’ midfielder Sipho Mbule, who has hardly featured since the Africa Cup of Nations.

Centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana, midfielder Bathusi Aubaas and Shandre Campbell have also been omitted from the squad.

There are returns to the squad for Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Jayden Adams, while Minnesota United winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane and AEL Limassol loanee Thapelo Maseko are back in the fold.

Philedelphia Union defender, Olwethu Makhanya, also receives what many consider long-overdue recognition in the preliminary squad.

Bafana Bafana take on Panama in Durban on 27 March 27 before travelling to Cape Town on 31 March.

The preliminary squad will be reduced to a smaller squad for the two friendlies, which will provide a clearer picture of which players are in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where South Africa open their campaign against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on 11 June.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced a preliminary squad for the two international friendly matches against Panama later this month. #BafanaPride@10bet_ZA @adidasZA @adidasfootball @CastleLagerSA @HonorAfrica @flysaa @SABC_Sport @SouthernSunGrp pic.twitter.com/xgTHibejLl

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 9, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari