Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has officially named a preliminary squad for the double-header against Panama later this month.
Los Canaleros will first visit the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 27 March, followed by a second encounter four days later at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium.
Read: MLS Starlet Olwethu Makhanya Headlines Preliminary Bafana squad for Panama friendlies
SBN brings you three big takeaways from Bafana Bafana’s latest newest preliminary squad
Tactical Recalls
Broos has opted for a mix of established veterans and players currently riding a wave of domestic form. A standout inclusion is Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, who returns to the national setup for the first time since March 2025.
The preliminary roster also features a strong Masandawana attacking contingent, including the evergreen Themba Zwane, the clinical Iqraam Rayners, and speedster Thapelo Morena.
More broadly, younger talents such as Ime Okon, Thapelo Maseko, and Tylon Smith have also been handed opportunities to secure their spots before the final squad reduction.
The Goalkeeping Debate
The most significant talking point of this selection is the omission of Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen. Despite a stellar campaign in the Betway Premiership—where he has kept 11 clean sheets in 16 matches—Petersen has failed to break into Broos’ plans.
The Final Audition
These fixtures serve as Bafana Bafana’s final home preparations before they jet off to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This camp also marks the national team’s first gathering since their January AFCON campaign, which ended in a Round of 16 exit to Cameroon.
With the World Cup now fewer than 100 days away, this double‑header becomes a high‑pressure audition for players looking to cement their place on the plane to North America.