Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has opened the door for several emerging players after naming a 38-man preliminary squad ahead of South Africa’s upcoming international friendlies against Panama later this month.
The matches will form part of the national team’s preparations for future international competitions and will see South Africa take on the Central American side twice. The first clash is scheduled for 27 March at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, followed by a second meeting on 31 March at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium.
For Broos, the squad announcement signals another step in his ongoing effort to balance youth and experience within the national setup.
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Fresh opportunities for emerging players
One of the most eye-catching selections is 21-year-old defender Olwethu Makhanya. The former Stellenbosch FC centre-back has been making steady progress in Major League Soccer with Philadelphia Union and played a key role in the club finishing top of the regular-season standings last season.
His inclusion reflects Broos’ continued interest in young South African talent developing abroad.
Several other players have also been given opportunities to push for a place in the final squad. Renaldo Leaner, Vuyo Letlapa and AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson are among the names earning a chance to impress the national team coaching staff.
Germany-based defender Ime Okon has also been called up, adding further depth to the defensive department as Broos assesses his options ahead of the friendlies.
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Experienced leaders remain in the mix
While the squad includes several fresh faces, a number of experienced campaigners remain central to the group.
Midfielder Jayden Adams returns to the national team setup following a strong run of form with Mamelodi Sundowns, while senior figures such as Themba Zwane and Thapelo Morena are also part of the preliminary selection.
Broos has also welcomed back players who have previously featured prominently for Bafana Bafana. Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Patrick Maswanganyi are among those returning, while Polokwane City midfielder Ndamulelo Maphangule and forward Yanela Mbuthuma have also been included.
Their presence provides continuity as the coach continues to shape a competitive squad capable of challenging on the international stage.
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Notable omissions from the squad
The preliminary squad does not include several players who were part of South Africa’s recent Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
Bathusi Aubaas, Shandre Campbell, Elias Mokwana and Sipho Mbule are among the notable absentees, while defender Siyabonga Ngezana misses out due to injury.
Another talking point from the squad announcement is the absence of Kaizer Chiefs players, with no representatives from the club included in the initial 38-man group.
Next step before the Panama clashes
The players will assemble later this month before Broos trims the squad ahead of the two friendlies.
These matches will offer an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess new combinations, evaluate emerging talent and fine tune the squad ahead of the next phase of international competition.
For supporters, the games also present a rare chance to watch Bafana Bafana play on home soil in two of the country’s most iconic stadiums.
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Preliminary Bafana Bafana squad vs Panama
Goalkeepers:
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Darren Johnson (AmaZulu), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders:
Samukelo Kabini (Molde), Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers), Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates)
Midfielders:
Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota FC), Luke le Roux (Portsmouth), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)
Forwards:
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Patrick Maswanganyi, Yanela Mbuthuma, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Source: Various
Featured Image Source: TFG Sports Club on X
