Full house for Bafana vs Panama as Cape Town Stadium sells out

Coach Hugo Broos and the Bafana Bafana squad are set for a rousing send-off in their final friendly match against Panama, as tickets for the Cape Town clash sold out over the weekend.

The match, scheduled for Tuesday night at Cape Town Stadium, could be Broos’s last on South African soil before the team heads to the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The Belgian coach has previously announced his intention to retire from coaching after the global tournament concludes.

This World Cup marks Bafana Bafana‘s return to the prestigious event for the first time since South Africa hosted it in 2010. The team last qualified for the tournament in 2002.

Bafana looking for change in fortunes

Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau against Panama – Image: SAFA

South Africa played out a 1-1 draw with Panama on Friday when Oswin Appollis netted the equaliser but there is hope that with a full house backing them in Cape Town, they can sign off in style by securing the win.

The game is important for Broos as he builds a team towards the World Cup and will play a key role in how he selects his squad for the tournament where they will play co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and either Czech Republic or Denmark, who will play in the European playoff final on Tuesday.

Broos has been taking stock of the first match with one of the areas he feels needs improvements being attack where Lyle Foster started up front before he made way for Evidence Makgopa in the 70^th minute.

Broos unhappy with ‘lazy’ striker

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos – Image: SAFA

“For me, Lyle is a very good striker, but sometimes he’s a little bit lazy in the game. I told him a few days ago that we need someone who moves more, who puts the defenders more under pressure,” said Broos as per KickOff.

“In the first half, we had some moments, but the second half was much better. I know he’s strong also when you give him the ball on the feet, he doesn’t lose so many balls, but this is not our game.

“We don’t play with someone in attack who keeps the ball, and then players who are playing around. No, we play football that needs movement, and also for the strikers,” he added.