South Africa announce squad for March friendlies against Panama ft. Lyle Foster
Bafana Bafana will take on Panama twice during the March international break.
Themba Zwane has been included in South Africa’s preliminary roster by coach Hugo Broos for the two friendly games against Panama later this month. It will serve as training for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Zwane has started playing again for Mamelodi Sundowns. He missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco in December-January due to his delayed recovery from a chronic injury and lack of match fitness.
Jayden Adams, a colleague from Sundowns who missed the Afcon, is also returning to the Bafana squad.
South Africa will play Panama on March 27 in Durban and four days afterwards in Cape Town. The two friendlies will serve as vital preparatory games for the World Cup.
On June 11, South Africa will take on co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City in the tournament’s inaugural match. On June 18, Bafana will play a UEFA Path D playoff winner in Atlanta. On June 24, they will play South Korea in their third Group A match in Guadalupe, Mexico.
South Africa announce squad for double-header against Panama
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United), Darren Johnson (AmaZulu)
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, US), Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates); Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers, England), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, US)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City), Mthetheli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC), Luke le Roux (Portsmouth, England), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United, US)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Yanele Mbuthuma (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (Aris Limassol, Cyprus)
When will South Africa face Panama?
They will face them on 27th March, and next on 31st March.
Have South Africa qualified for the World Cup?
Yes.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.