Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and in-form Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners are some of the notable omissions from the final Bafana Bafana squad to face Panama in the two international friendlies this month.
South Africa will host Panama on Friday, 27 March at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, while the second encounter will be played on Tuesday, 31 March at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
The two international friendly matches form part of Hugo Broos’ preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Bafana find themselves in Group A for the global showpiece, grouped with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of a high-stakes European playoff involving Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, and Ireland.
Broos named the final 23 squad on Thursday, with the squad expected to assemble on Sunday, 19 March, ahead of the camp.
Veteran playmaker Themba Zwane marks his return to the national setup after an injury sidelined him for the AFCON tournament. Joining him in the squad are Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Thapelo Maseko, while Sekhukhune United’s Renaldo Leaner has also earned a call-up.
Rayners’ omission is particularly jarring given his current trajectory; the Mamelodi Sundowns frontman recently became only the fifth player in PSL history to net 10+ goals in three consecutive seasons. Currently sitting second in the PSL Golden Boot race with 10 strikes—just two behind Golden Arrows’ Sede Junior Dion—his clinical edge was widely expected to be a focal point for the national side.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos: Picture by FARPost.
BAFANA BAFANA FINAL 23-MAN SQUAD TO FACE PANAMA IN DURBAN AND CAPE TOWN
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 FC].
Midfielders:
Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams [all Mamelodi Sundowns], Thalente Mbatha [Orlando Pirates], Sphephelo Sithole [C.D. Tondela].
Forwards:
Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Mokgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng [all Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley FC, England], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota United FC, USA], Themba Zwane [Mamelodi Sundowns] and Thapelo Maseko [AEL Limassol, Cyprus].
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