Bafana Bafana vs Panama: Thapelo Maseko & Bongokuhle Hlongwane, what does Doc Khumalo think?

Bafana Bafana will face Panama in an international friendly game on Friday and Tuesday, respectively, as both nations continue preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Coach Hugo Broos named a strong team for the friendly, and among those who have been given a chance to prove their worth is Thapelo Maseko and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

Adding more firepower to the camp! 💥 Bongokuhle Hlongwane is here as we finalize our preparations for Friday night under the lights against Panama. 🇿🇦⚽️#BafanaPride@adidasfootball @adidasza @rexona_sa @standardbanksa @10betza @freddyhirschsa @flysaa @honorza @castlelagersa… pic.twitter.com/W65Ne35iUx

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 26, 2026

Mamemlodi Sundowns’ Maseko, who is playing on loan for Cypriot outfit AEL Limassol, has two goals for the European outfit and has been showing glimpses of brilliance throughout. Hlongwane plays for Major League Soccer club Minnesota United.

Broos lauded for giving duo Bafana Bafana chance

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has now explained why the duo deserved a chance with the national team.

“Well done to the boy [Maseko]; that’s another player we need to applaud because he went through a lot,” he told the DNA Podcast.

“You know there’s too much competition at Sundowns he ended up losing his position, and I think the move helped the situation. What a good player,” Khumalo explained.

“Bongi, at long last, it’s been a while. How long has the boy been doing well in the US and not getting a call-up? He deserves it, he plays well, I mean, I follow the MLS,” he concluded.

Bafana Bafana’s Broos challenges Maseko & Hlongwane to take their chances

“You know those players have already given us satisfaction but for various reasons, we couldn’t take them anymore with the national team,” Broos said about what he’s expecting from them,” the Belgian opened up.

“So, we know the qualities of the guys, we know the mentalities of the guys.

“So, it’s nothing new we can learn but it’s up to them to take the chances, they getting another chance and let’s see what they give us in the next weeks,” Broos concluded.