No charity for Sipho Chaine as Bafana's Hugo Broos navigates injury crisis ahead of Panama

While casting his net for selection, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has had to navigate a challenging landscape marked by injuries to key players.

One name notably absent from his latest selection is the in-form Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, who is nursing an injury.

Petersen has been pivotal for the Amakhosi this season, shining as captain and boasting impressive clean sheets, making him one of the standout performers in the league. His form had placed him in a tight race for the most clean sheets, notably with Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

Unfortunately, an injury just before the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates in late February has thwarted not just his derby ambitions but also his chances of representing the national team in the upcoming matches.

Broos acknowledged Petersen’s significant contributions and expressed disappointment over his absence. He said the injury has been a missed opportunity for Petersen, who could have showcased his skills on the international stage.

Broos’ 23-member squad, announced at noon on Thursday, will face Panama on March 27 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban and then on March 31 at Cape Town Stadium.

Surprisingly, Pirates’ Chaine is not in the squad, a decision that will spark discussion among fans and analysts alike. Broos defended his decision to replace Chaine with Sekhukhune United’s Renaldo Leaner, insisting that “it’s not charity,” and emphasising the seriousness of performance in the selection process.

Leaner, alongside captain Ronwen Williams and Ricardo Goss, will form the goalkeeping department for the upcoming matches. Broos, however, reminded the media that the door remains open for Chaine, as the goalkeeping position is highly competitive.

While Leaner has been on Broos’ radar for some time, this selection aims to further evaluate his capabilities both on and off the pitch.

As Bafana Bafana prepares for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America, the upcoming friendlies against Panama will be critical opportunities for squad rotation and performance assessment. Fans eagerly await seeing how these strategic decisions pan out in a pivotal moment for South Africa’s football aspirations.