South Africa vs Panama: No one from Kaizer Chiefs as Orlando Pirates & Mamelodi Sundowns dominate Hugo Broos’ squad

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South Africa vs Panama: No one from Kaizer Chiefs as Orlando Pirates & Mamelodi Sundowns dominate Hugo Broos’ squad
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and his technical team

Kaizer Chiefs players have been overlooked by South Africa coach Hugo Broos for the forthcoming two international friendly games against Panama.

The Belgian is preparing the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. South Africa are among the eight nations that will represent the continent in the global competition.

As expected, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have produced a big number of players in the preliminary squad. One of the players who has made a return to the national team is veteran creative attacker Themba Zwane who has seen limited game-time at Masandawana.

It is interesting to see whether coach Broos will consider him in the final squad for the back-to-back friendly games against Panama on March 27 and 31st in Cape time.

South Africa squad vs Panama

Injured FCSB defender Siyabonga Ngezana is among those who will miss action alongside snubbed Gift Links, and Thembinkosi Lorch.

Have a look at the players summoned by Broos.

Why did SAFA choose Panama for South Africa?

“The matches form a critical component of head coach Hugo Broos’s build-up programme ahead of the global tournament, which will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026,” SAFA stated.

“Panama, currently ranked 33rd in the world, were considered to provide high-quality opposition.

Hugo broos and Danny Jordaan
South Africa coach Hugo Broos with Danny Jordaan of SAFA

“The Central American side offers a competitive, physical and tactically disciplined test that aligns closely with the level Bafana Bafana will face at the FIFA World Cup.

“South Africa was drawn in Group A during the FIFA World Cup draw held in Washington DC in December 2025. Bafana will compete against Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of UEFA Playoff D (Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia),” they concluded.

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Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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