Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has unveiled his preliminary 37-man squad as South Africa intensifies preparations for two upcoming international friendly matches against Panama. These fixtures are a crucial part of the nation's build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing the technical team to fine-tune combinations and assess the depth of the squad. The extensive preliminary squad is expected to be trimmed to a final group of 23 players next week, as the team makes its final preparations for the critical road to the global tournament.

The two high-profile encounters against Panama are scheduled for late March 2026. The first match will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with kick-off slated for 19:00 SAST. Following this, the teams will journey to Cape Town for a second clash on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at DHL Stadium, with a scheduled kick-off of 19:30. Both matches are anticipated to be broadcast live on SABC and SuperSport, offering local fans an opportunity to witness the national team in action before their potential journey to North America for the World Cup. Supporters keen to attend can purchase tickets through Ticketpro, with prices set at R80 for adults and R50 for children under 12.

Coach Broos has underscored the significance of these friendlies, especially given Panama's current world ranking of 33rd, significantly higher than South Africa's 60th position. The Belgian coach views these fixtures as a robust test for his squad, providing invaluable preparation for facing similar opposition at the World Cup, where Bafana Bafana are projected to meet strong teams like Mexico and South Korea in the group stage.

Notably, this preliminary Bafana Bafana squad, announced by Hugo Broos, includes no players from Kaizer Chiefs. This omission marks a continuation of a trend observed since 2024, where the national team has frequently lacked representation from the Soweto giants, a situation that has garnered dissatisfaction among the club's fanbase. Last year, Broos articulated that Kaizer Chiefs were not performing at the same competitive level as rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, which influenced his selection decisions. The absence of Chiefs players also extended to his final Africa Cup of Nations squad. With the World Cup less than 100 days away, the likelihood of Kaizer Chiefs players making the final Bafana Bafana squad appears slim, particularly as 'The Glamour Boys' have recently endured a challenging period, recording four consecutive losses across all competitions. In contrast, Orlando Pirates boast a strong presence with 11 players named in the 37-man squad, while Mamelodi Sundowns also have significant representation.

The full preliminary Bafana Bafana squad named by Hugo Broos is as follows:

• 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 – USA), 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 – USA)
• Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City), Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC), Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth – England), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela – Portugal)
• Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United – USA), 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), Yanela Mbuthuma (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq – Saudi Arabia), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Broos is set to finalize the 23-player roster next week, signaling the critical final stage of preparations for these vital international friendlies and the overarching journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.