South Africa vs Jamaica: Bafana team news as kick-off date is changed

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that Bafana Bafana will face Jamaica in a final warm-up friendly on Saturday and not Friday as initially planned.

The match will be held behind closed doors.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM local time in Mexico, which is 11:00 PM in South Africa. The fixture will not be broadcast on television.

South Africa's Bafana Bafana training in Pachuca, Mexico. — South Africa’s Bafana Bafana training in Pachuca, Mexico. Image – Imago

Coach Hugo Broos had initially indicated the game would be played on Friday. However, a 24-hour delay in the team’s arrival at their Mexican training base likely prompted the schedule change.

Modiba concerns for the late kick-off

This match serves as the team’s last preparation before their opening game of the 2026 World Cup against co-hosts Mexico. That crucial encounter is set for next Thursday in Mexico City, with a 9:00 PM kick-off time in South Africa.

Broos has stated his intention to field a full-strength lineup against Jamaica. However, a hamstring injury to left-back Aubrey Modiba remains a concern, and he may be rested as a precaution.

Jamaica forward Leon Bailey. Photo: Imago

Jamaica enters the match following mixed results in the current international window, having secured a 2-0 win over India before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Nigeria.

There are no further injury concerns for Broos but there are question marks over his favourite striker Lyle Foster, who has been fluffing his lines.

Big decisions awaiting Bafana coach

Foster scored just three goals for Burnley in the just-concluded season as they were relegated from the Premier League and his form for Bafana Bafana has also not been impressive, failing to score in two games against Panama in March, and also when South Africa played Nicaragua last week, when he missed a penalty.

Hugo Broos, coach of South Africa's Bafana Bafana in Pachuca, Mexico. — Hugo Broos, coach of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Pachuca, Mexico. Image – Imago

Iqraam Rayners and Evidence Makgopa are the other No.9 options available to Broos. The Bafana coach also has a decision to make in attacking midfield between Themba Zwane and Relebohile Mofokeng vying for the No.10 role.

Zwane started against Nicaragua and it remains to be seen whether Broos will opt for his experience or go for the exuberance of youth that Mofokeng brings.

At right wing, Broos has to choose between Tshepang Moremi, Thapelo Maseko and Kamogelo Sebelebele, who impressed against Nicaragua.

Sipho Chaine (left) and Tshepang Moremi of South Africa's Bafana Bafana. — Sipho Chaine (left) and Tshepang Moremi of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. Image – SAFA

Who will play where for South Africa?

In central midfield, Teboho Mokoena is a certainty but who will partner him is still up in the air.

Sphphelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole did not cover himself in glory at AFCON 2025, with Thalenthe Mbatha then taking over, but with Jayden Adams back in form and earning a spot in the World Cup squad, Broos could be tempted to go with him and Mokoena after the two helped Mamelodi Sundowns to the CAF Champions League title.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams training in Pachuca, Mexico. Image – Imago

At the back, Ronwen Williams is a certainty in goal, Khuliso Mudau the first-choice right-back while Bradley Cross and Samkuele Kabini will be vying for a starting place at left-back in light of Modiba’s injury.

However, at the heart of defence, Broos has to choose the best partner for Mbekezeli Mbokazi given Siyabonga Ngezana missed out on the World Cup. The Bafana boss has Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Olwethu Makhanya as his other options in central defence.