Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana has reacted to his omission from the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and international friendlies against Panama.
The Belgian tactician, Hugo Broos, announced a 38-man preliminary squad earlier this week, leaving out several high-profile names, including the experienced Kekana. Some of the noteworthy names that have been left out are Gift Links, Thembinkosi Lorch, Bathusi Aubaas and Elias Mokwana.
South Africa are set to host Panama in two friendly encounters later this month as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup set to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The first match will take place on 27 March at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, followed by a second clash at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on 31 March.
The Bafana squad is expected to assemble in the last week of March, with Broos set to trim the current list down for the final selection for the Panama fixtures.
‘MY PRIMARY FOCUS IS WITH MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’: GRANT KEKANA
Kekana was an integral part of the Bafana squad that clinched a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
The 33-year-old has faced a challenging period with injuries, but has worked his way back into the Sundowns starting line-up under Miguel Cardoso.
Addressing the media ahead of Sundowns’ CAF Champions League commitments, the veteran centre-back appeared unfazed by the snub, insisting his immediate priority lies with delivering results for the Brazilians.
“Yeah, I think my primary focus is definitely Mamelodi Sundowns, you know, and they’re the ones that give me a platform to get selected for the national team. So, right now, I think my primary focus is Mamelodi Sundowns,” said Kekana.
In the current campaign, Kekana has made 20 appearances for the Chloorkop-based outfit across all competitions.
The player is expected to make Sundowns’ matchday squad tonight as they face Stade Malien of Mali in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, with the kick-off set for 20:00.
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