Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos delivered his candid verdict on the defensive pairing of Khulumani Ndamane and Ime Okon following South Africa’s 1-1 draw against Panama in an international friendly on Friday night.
The match between the Central American side took place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 24th minute courtesy of Yoel Barcenas’ goal, while Bafana found the equaliser in the 48th minute of the showdown through Orlando Pirates star, Oswin Appollis.
This match was part of Bafana’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The Belgian tactician handed a start to the duo of Ndamane and Okon in the heart of the defence, opting for a blend of emerging experience and potential.
While Ndamane previously featured under Broos, the clash against Panama served as an important milestone for the German-based defender, Okon, who made his official debut and first start for Bafana under the tutelage of Belgian mentor against the Central American outfit.
WHAT HUGO BROOS SAID ABOUT NDAMANE AND OKON PARTNERSHIP
Speaking after the match, Broos was quick to praise the collective effort of the squad before highlighting the individual performances of his centre-back pairing.
“As I said, the whole team played a very good game. I think Ndamane and Okon performed very well,” said Broos. “Ndamane has already played a few games for Bafana, but for Okon, it was his first game. I think that both players in the centre-back position played a very good game.”
Broos further touched on Ndamane’s technical attributes, noting the Mamelodi Sundowns defender’s ability to make good passes from the back.
“Ndamane had a few good passes, especially in the second half, showing glimpses of exactly what I wanted to see from him,” he added.
“I told him before the game to focus on the match, and he showed today [Friday] that he can perform well, and I’m very happy with the performance.”
The two nations will lock horns again for the second friendly game in Cape Town. This showpiece will take place at the DHL Stadium on Tuesday, 31 March.
RELATED STORY: Broos prays for UEFA play-offs to deny Denmark World Cup ticket