Bafana Bafana vs Panama: Hugo Broos snubs top keeper & striker as World Cup preparations intensify

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named his squad for the forthcoming friendly matches against Panama.

South Africa, who will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are set to host the Canal Men on Friday, April 27 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, before facing each other again on Tuesday March 31 in Cape Town at the DHL Stadium.

Broos has excluded Orlando Pirates custodian Sipho Chaine from his team, alongside Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners, who has 10 goals and three assists, from his squad.

However, veteran creative attacker Themba Zwane makes his return to the squad alongside Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Thapelo Maseko and goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner of Sekhukhune United.

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bafana Bafana are placed in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the winner in the European playoff involving Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, and Ireland.

Bafana Bafana squad to play Panama

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams [Mamelodi Sundowns], Ricardo Goss [Siwelele FC], and Renaldo Leaner [Sekhukhune United].

Defenders: Nkosinathi Sibisi [Orlando Pirates], Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Khuliso Mudau [all Mamelodi Sundowns], Ime Okon [Hannover 96, Germany], Samukelo Kabini [Molde FK, Germany], Mbekezeli Mbokazi [Chicago Fire FC, USA], Thabang Matuludi [Polokwane City FC].

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams [all Mamelodi Sundowns], Thalente Mbatha [Orlando Pirates], Sphephelo Sithole [C.D. Tondela].

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Mokgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng [all Orlando Pirates], Lyle Foster [Burnley FC, England], Bongokuhle Hlongwane [Minnesota United FC, USA], Themba Zwane  [Mamelodi Sundowns] and Thapelo Maseko [AEL Limassol, Cyprus].