Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed what many expected ahead of the international friendly match against Panama, with two players set to miss the opener on Friday.
Bafana welcome Panama on Friday evening at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off at 19h00. They will then take the Central American nation to Cape Town, where they will conclude the two-match series on Tuesday, 31 March, at DHL Stadium.
The two matches are part of South Africa’s preparations for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Bafana kick off their campaign with a clash against Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium on 11 June. They still await their opponent for the second match on 18 June, while South Korea is their final group match on 24 June.
Broos, a 2017 AFCON winner with Cameroon, welcomed a 23-member squad for the two encounters. He has since revealed that two of his stars will not take part against Panama in Durban, but they will be considered for the Cape Town fixture.
WHICH TWO BAFANA PLAYERS WILL MISS PANAMA TIE
As expected, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane will not take part in the opening match. The Belgian explained that the pair arrived on Tuesday from the United States, and the technical team has chosen to prioritise recovery after the demanding long-haul journey and significant time difference.
“The only thing I can say about the team is that Hlongwane and Mbokazi will not play,” Broos told the media. “This is not tactical. It is not because they are sick or injured. It’s just a question of the trip they made from America to here, and the jet lag.”
He pointed out that there was a “seven-hour difference” where they are based, “so those guys need a little bit of time to recover.”
The veteran mentor on Monday hinted he would field a refreshed Bafana side next Tuesday. Mbokazi’s absence gives Broos a chance to deploy Khulumani Ndamane as the left centre-back. He also has German-based Ime Okon to consider for that game.
In the attack, where Hlongwane plays, the Orlando Pirates duo of Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi are available.
‘WE’VE HAD A GOOD WEEK’: BROOS
Broos said they had “a good week of preparation, having started camp on Monday in Pretoria before travelling to Durban on Thursday. “I’m very happy with what I saw at training. I think the guys are very motivated to have a good result tomorrow. We all know it will be a tough opponent, but on the other hand, it’s good preparation for us for the game against Mexico in three months.”
He added that the result was important against Panama, who are ranked 33rd in the world. “The result is important. It’s always important. Not the other way. The most important thing for me is the team’s performance, not the result. I think if we can play well tomorrow and win, it will give us a boost of confidence. This will also help us believe in ourselves.
“It’s something we need after the disappointing AFCON. But at the other end, I’m confident I see that we are ready for the game of tomorrow, and we will see what happens.”
Bafana have featured in the FIFA World Cup three times in 1998, 2002, and 2010. Their World Cup record includes nine matches played, with two wins, four draws, and three losses, scoring 11 goals and conceding 16.
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