GAME DAY | Hugo Broos to use Panama as Fifa World Cup audition for these Bafana players

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed that MLS duo Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Bongokuhle Hlongwane will miss the first of two friendlies at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night (7pm kick-off) as a precautionary measure following their long-haul travel.

With the 2026 Fifa World Cup looming in June, Broos is using these matches as a final audition. Here are five players who must seize the opportunity to impress the Belgian tactician:

Ime Okon – Centre-back

The Hannover 96 defender has made headlines recently amid controversy over his eligibility, but his inclusion is a firm statement of his South African identity. Known for his neat tackles and reading of the game, Okon must now prove he can handle the high-pressure environment of international football in a demanding central role.

Thapelo Maseko – Winger

A veteran of the AFCON campaign in Ivory Coast, Maseko returns to a changed landscape. Broos will be looking for increased maturity from the speedster; while his dribbling and eye for goal are unquestioned, he needs to demonstrate better decision-making and collective play in the final third to avoid costly individual errors.

Jayden Adams – Midfielder

Adams is a proven technician capable of controlling the tempo and shielding his defence. However, the next step in his evolution is becoming a true box-to-box threat. Having already found the net for his club this season, he needs to show he can offer constant availability in both transition and the final passage of play.

Themba Zwane – Attacker

Broos has previously labelled 'Mshishi' the best player he has coached at Bafana Bafana, but the veteran must still justify his spot for North America. While he may not possess the raw pace of his younger teammates, his tactical intelligence and leadership both on and off the pitch remain vital components for the squad's DNA.

Khulumani Ndamane – Centre-back

The towering Mamelodi Sundowns defender has earned plaudits for his aerial ability and distribution. However, the international stage is a less forgiving environment. Ndamane needs to refine his tackling and eliminate the marginal errors that can prove fatal against high-calibre World Cup opposition.