Kaizer Chiefs Players Missing As Hugo Broos Releases 37-Man Bafana Bafana Squad

• Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has released his latest squad for South Africa's match during the international break
• The Belgian tactician decided not to name any Kaizer Chiefs player in his team, with the final list said to be announced in a few days
• South Africa will face the Panama men's national football team twice during the international break later this month
• Briefly News spoke exclusively to a PSL journalist on Broos' squad choice

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has released a preliminary squad as South Africa steps up preparations for two international friendly matches against the Panama national football team later this month.

The provisional list will be reduced to a final squad of 23 players in the coming days, which will be the final list of players that will face the North American nation.

This would be the first time Bafana Bafana would be in action after being knocked out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by Cameroon in the Round of 16.

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Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The upcoming fixtures form part of Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the technical staff aiming to evaluate different player combinations and assess the squad’s depth ahead of the global showpiece in North America.

Broos' side are placed in Group A and would play the opening fixture against one of the co-hosts, Mexico, which is a replica of the opening game of the 2010 edition of the competition hosted by South Africa.

Bafana Bafana are set to meet Panama twice during the international break in March. The opening match is scheduled for Friday, 27 March 2026 at Moses Mabhida Stadium, while the second fixture will be in Cape Town at the DHL Stadium, on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.

Bafana Bafana squad for Panama friendlies

Broos has highlighted the significance of these friendlies, noting that Panama currently sit 33rd in the world rankings while South Africa occupies 60th place. The encounters are therefore expected to provide a competitive test for the squad.

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The Belgian did not include a single player from Kaizer Chiefs, with Mamelodi Sundowns duo, Themba Zwane and Iqraam Rayners, returning to the team, but it's not sure if they would make the final squad list.

Speaking to Briefly News on Broos's team selection, PSL football journalist Bongani Shushabino Mthimkhulu said the 38-man preliminary squad shows a solid balance across all areas.

"Hugo Broos has kept a strong core while also giving opportunities to emerging talent," he said.

Shushabino noted that experienced players like Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena and Lyle Foster provide leadership and stability, while the inclusion of new names such as Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Deano Van Rooyen, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Vuyo Letlapa, Germany-based Ime Okon and Yanela Mbuthuma reflects Broos's intent to build depth and plan for the future.

He also highlighted the welcome returns of Jayden Adams, Thapelo Maseko, Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, saying their presence adds experience and attacking quality.

Shushabino added that some omissions, including Thembinkosi Lorch, Grant Kekana, Gift Links and Luther Singh, as well as the absence of Kaizer Chiefs players, have sparked debate among fans and analysts. Overall, he believes Broos is maintaining his core group while exploring new options before finalising the squad for the match against Panama.

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Below is the full preliminary squad named by Hugo Broos:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United), Darren Johnson (AmaZulu FC)

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union – USA), Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City FC), 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 – USA)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City FC), Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC), Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth FC – England), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela – Portugal)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United FC – USA), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC – England), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Yanela Mbuthuma (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq FC – Saudi Arabia), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns).

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Nigerian football legend calls out SA players

Briefly News earlier reported that a Nigerian football legend has criticised South African players for not taking up a new challenge by moving to Europe.

The Super Eagles legend acknowledged the Premier Soccer League for being one of the best leagues in Africa, but wants Bafana Bafana stars to leave their comfort zone.

Source: Briefly News