Bafana Bafana are in the "last chance saloon" as Hugo Broos begins finalising his World Cup core. Photo: Oupa Mokoena Independent Media
Image: Oupa Mokoena Independent Media
As Bafana Bafana prepare for upcoming friendlies, this camp is far from routine. With Hugo Broos closing in on his Fifa World Cup 2026 core, every minute on the pitch matters.
The South African national team will take on central American nation and World Cup-bound Panama on Friday and next Tuesday in Durban and Cape Town, respectively, as part of the 2026 World Cup preparation. Here, Smiso Msomi discusses the five storylines shaping up to be major talking points this week.
For fringe players, the clock is ticking. Head coach Hugo Broos still has a final camp in May to June, but that would be reserved for his most trusted soldiers for the global showpiece.
Mamelodi Sundowns' Jayden Adams and MLS-based Bongokuhle Hlongwane find themselves in the fold once more after being dropped due to form, true to his nature, Broos has chosen loyalty to his group and afforded them one final swing as getting on the plane to World Cup.
This camp may be their final shot to impress before Broos finalises his reliable group. One standout performance could secure a spot; one misstep could end the dream. The stakes are higher than ever.
Fresh faces in the Bafana Bafana camp Renaldo Leaner (Left) and Ime Okon (Center) alongside head coach Hugo Broos (Right). Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Fresh call-ups bring energy but also intense scrutiny.
The likes of Ime Okon, Renaldo Leaner and even long-term absentees like Thapelo Maseko must adapt quickly to international demands, showing they can perform under pressure while representing the nation on the global stage. How they handle this baptism of fire could define their national team careers even in the post-Broos-era.
Club loyalties are on pause. Stars from Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns must quickly build chemistry amidst a heated Betway Premiership race at the moment. The mix of personalities and styles creates intrigue, the kind we have seen in the past as Broos needs harmony as much as individual brilliance in the coming months.
The same mixture also raises the quality and temperament levels in one of the best groups Bafana has ever assembled.
Talent alone isn’t enough. Broos is evaluating who can withstand expectation, media scrutiny, and the weight of the national badge. These friendlies double as psychological tests — can players rise above pressure when the spotlight is on them?
Broos has already outlined his plans of performance over results in these two friendlies, however, he is expected to be also be looking out for the psychological capabilities of individuals. A few players have been left in the cold because of attitude and off-field behaviour and those elements are also expected to be under scrutiny here.
The broader mission is forming a core capable of carrying Bafana through the World Cup. Defence, midfield, and attack are all under the microscope.
This camp offers the clearest hints yet about who Broos trusts to anchor his squad. The likes of Ronwen Williams, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Teboho Mokoena and Lyle Forster are in these group for the required stability.
Every pass, tackle, and moment counts. This is more than preparation — it’s a selection process in motion. For players on the bubble, one good or bad moment could decide whether they make the journey to the World Cup or watch from home, it’s rare occasion for the South African football fraternity and it’s hands on deck for the US, Mexico and Canada.
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