Bafana vs Panama: Why Mbokazi and Hlongwane will not play

Bafana Bafana will be without two of its Major League Soccer stars, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, for their upcoming friendly match against Panama on Friday night at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Chicago Fire defender Mbokazi and his fellow US-based teammate Hlongwane, who plays for Minnesota United, are being rested to recover from their extensive travel and the significant time difference.

This match, along with a second friendly, serves as crucial preparation for Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will see South Africa open their group stage against Mexico in June.

These fixtures mark the first time coach Hugo Broos will assess his squad since their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) run ended in the round of 16 with a 2-1 loss to Cameroon.

Broos explains Mbokazi and Hlongwane’s absence

Despite naming a strong squad, Broos confirmed that the MLS pair would be sidelined for the first game due to travel fatigue rather than tactical reasons or injury.

“We have had a good week behind us,” Broos stated as per IOL ahead of the match. “I am very happy with what I saw in training. The players are motivated to get a good result tomorrow [Friday].”

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos confirms that the US-based players, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Mbekezeli Mbokazi won’t be available for selection against Panama in Durban. pic.twitter.com/RLGsp50Q5J

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The coach acknowledged the challenge ahead while emphasising the game’s importance as a rehearsal for their World Cup opener.

“We know it will be a tough opponent. On the other side, it is good preparation for us for the game against Mexico in three months’ time,” he added. “Hlongwane and Mbokazi will not play… They had a long trip, there is a seven-hour time difference, and those guys need a little bit of time to recover, but they will be there next Tuesday for the second game.”

Bafana boss on importance of Panama friendly

While the outcome of the friendlies is secondary, their true value is in the preparation they offer. With limited time before the World Cup, these matches are vital for Broos to evaluate player performances, foster team chemistry, and finalise his squad selection.

“Is the result important? Certainly, the result is important — it is always important — but the most important thing for me, besides the result, is the performance of the team,” Broos explained.

“If we can have a good game tomorrow and win that game, it will give us a boost of confidence and belief in ourselves, something that we need after the disappointing AFCON. I am confident and believe that we are ready for the game.”