Bafana Bafana’s Broos admits ‘I saw some things I didn’t know’ in loss to Panama

Bafana Bafana were undone by Panama on Tuesday night as they fell 2-1 at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Goals from Jose Cordoba and Jiovany Ramos were enough for the Central American nation as Mbekezeli Mbokazi netted the lone goal for South Africa in a fully-packed stadium. The defeat at home was frustrating for the football lovers in Mzansi ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the opening game against Mexico on June 11 fast-approaching, some supporters feel the team is not ready, and maybe coach Hugo Broos is not up to the task.

Bafana Bafana’s Broos happy to play Panama

The Belgian tactician insists his team had a good start but failed to capitalise on the chances created. It contributed to the defeat as Panama were better in the second half.

“The first half was good, three very open chances and didn’t score and in such a game can be crucial, in the second half we were overpowered by Panama, they had more power and speed in the team and made many difficulties and we couldn’t play our game,” he explained.

“I said before these two games, it would be a good test, we know what international football is and what football is from other continents, I’m very happy to have played Panama and we need to say what we didn’t do to win on Friday, Panama did today,” Broos added.

Lesson for Bafana Bafana coach

“That was the goal of these games, to see some players, to see if we use them in future and some other changes [potentially] in positions and therefore again it was an interesting game for us and for me,” the 73-year-old continued.

“It will not make my choice easier but I saw some things I didn’t know before the game and that is very important.

“I think it’s the reason we had [Okon and Hlongwane] today to see them, I wanted to see them, you can only know their performances in the club, but this is different, interesting two games and we’ll see what we do for the future,” Broos concluded.