The stage is set, and the spotlight is on Durban! Bafana Bafana are returning to the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium this Friday, 27 March 2026, for a high-stakes international friendly against Panama.
With kick-off scheduled for 19:00 CAT, Coach Hugo Broos has assembled a formidable 23-man squad for this crucial World Cup preparation match. But this is more than just a friendly—it’s a tactical mission to gear up for the “Central American style” that South Africa will face in their World Cup opener against Mexico.
The Bafana Bafana 23-Man Squad 🛡️
Here’s the full squad that will represent South Africa in the two-match series against Panama:
Goalkeepers 🧤
- Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC)
- Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United)
Defenders 🧱
- Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
- Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany)
- Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway)
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC, USA)
- Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City)
Midfielders ⚙️
- Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
- Sphephelo Sithole (C.D. Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards 🚀
- Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City)
- Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu FC)
- Evidence Mokgopa (Orlando Pirates)
- Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
- Lyle Foster (Burnley, England)
- Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United FC, USA)
- Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)
What to Watch Out For 📊
- The Return of Mshishi: Veteran playmaker Themba Zwane is back, bringing invaluable experience to the attacking third.
- Overseas Firepower: With Lyle Foster and Bongokuhle Hlongwane joining the camp, the strike force looks more clinical than ever before.
- The “Durban Cauldron”: Coach Broos has called on the KZN faithful to fill the stadium and be the 12th man in support of Bafana Bafana.
Match Day Info 🏟️
- Fixture: South Africa vs Panama
- Date: Friday, 27 March 2026
- Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
- Time: 19:00 CAT
- Tickets: Available at Ticketpro (R80 Adults / R50 Kids)
Come show your support as our boys build the momentum heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Don’t miss out on this electrifying encounter! ⚽🔥
