Bafana Bafana vs Panama: Five South Africa players to watch

Bafana Bafana are set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations with two international friendlies against Panama.

The first meeting will be on Friday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, while the second one will be staged at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named the final team to face Panama in two international friendly matches later this month. Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium and DHL Cape Town Stadium will host the two matches against the Central American country.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/twuPFvtoda

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 19, 2026

Players will have a chance to prove to the technical team that they are ready for the global competition.

Five key players for Bafana Bafana

Ronwen Williams

The skipper has been in the limelight for his showings at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where a section felt he was below par. The same questions have been asked by Mamelodi Sundowns supporters who feel his time as the main man in goal is almost coming to an end.

However, the 34-year-old has a chance to prove how good he is against a better opponent. His organisation at the back will be vital as it will give Broos a picture of what to expect in the World Cup.

Khulumani Ndamane

The former TS Galaxy defender has steadily risen through the ranks at Masandawana and is now a starter. At Bafana Bafana, he will be battling for a chance with some experienced heads like youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi, whose development has been rapid, as well as Ime Okon, who is plying trade in Germany with Bundesliga 2 outfit Hannover 96, and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Ndamane has already shown what he can do against both sides in both Mzansi and in the CAF Champions League, but Panama brings a different test. He will be keen to prove he can be reliable and he, alongside Mbokazi, can be formidable.

Jayden Adams

Well, another player who has been given a chance with the national team after being left in the cold for a year. He was punished for disciplianry breach by coach Broos but he has been given an opportunity to show his quality and potential for Bafana Bafana.

The 24-year-old has literally been on the rise for Masandawana, relegating Marcelo Allende to the bench. It is interesting to see what he will do alongside Thalente Mbatha and Teboho Mokoena.

Relebohile Mofokeng

Mofokeng has been a hit at Orlando Pirates, especially when being played in the No. 10 role. In his last 10 games for the club, the 21-year-old has found the back of the net seven times and provided three assists.

Broos has already confirmed he will play Mofokeng behind the strikers owing to his intelligence. It will be a massive chance for the versatile attacker to prove he has come of age.

Lyle Foster

The Burnley star proved his worth for Bafana Bafana in the 202f AFCON where he scored two and provided as many assists as Mzansi reached the knockout phase but crashed in the Round of 16.

The Orlando Pirates product will need to be involved more and have good chemistry with fellow attackers before the World Cup starts on June 11.