World Cup endorsement for Mshishi? Why Broos is excited by Zwane’s Bafana return 

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has detailed his decision to recall Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane for the upcoming friendly matches against Panama, which serve as crucial preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Bafana Bafana are scheduled to face Panama in two encounters: first on Friday, March 27, at Moses Mabhida Stadium, followed by a second match on Tuesday, March 31, at DHL Stadium. These games are vital for the team’s build-up to the 2026 World Cup which will kick off in June.

Broos announced his final 23-man squad on Thursday, with the inclusion of Zwane being a notable highlight. The 36-year-old playmaker, affectionately known as ‘Mshishi’, last played for the national team in October 2024 during an AFCON qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville, where he earned his 50th cap but also sustained a significant Achilles tendon injury.

Broos on what Mshishi adds to the team

Zwane was subsequently sidelined for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after picking up a separate muscle injury in September 2025. Having now returned to full fitness, his recent standout performances for Sundowns have captured the coach’s attention.

“He makes the players around him better,” Broos told SABC Sport as per KickOff. “Themba is a very experienced player. He is an intelligent player. He knows where to run; he scores.”

The Belgian coach expressed his relief at Zwane’s recovery, admitting he had concerns about the player’s long-term fitness.

Zwane in line for World Cup role?

“I was so happy that now he is not injured anymore because we named him back earlier, but then he had an injury again, and he was out for four or five weeks again,” Broos explained. “So I was then a little afraid because of his injury, more than a year ago, and his age. I thought he would go from one injury to another.”

Broos mentioned that he received positive feedback from Mamelodi Sundowns, confirming that the Tembisa-born midfielder was back to his best. The coach emphasised that Zwane’s football intelligence makes him a vital asset to the team.

“He is a nice guy, he has a good mentality, and he can also help the younger players with his experience,” the seasoned coach added.

Other notable returnees to the squad include Thapelo Maseko, who is currently on loan in Cyprus from Sundowns, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who plays for Minnesota United in the MLS.