As Bafana Bafana wrap up their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup window against Panama, we look at the tactical shifts Hugo Broos needs to make. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Bafana Bafana will continue their preparations for the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup, with a clash against Panama at the DHL Stadium on Tuesday (7.30pm kick-off).
Bafana will want to win the match to boost morale ahead of the last preparation window in May and early June. Following that, the team will fly out to Mexico, where they’ll face co-hosts, South Korea, and a play-off winner between Denmark and the Czech Republic (to be decided on Tuesday night).
With the match officially sold out and a buzzing crowd expected, we look at what Bafana needs to do to secure the win against Panama.
Mofokeng has been in superb form for Orlando Pirates, recently winning the Betway Premiership Player of the Month for March after scoring four goals in as many matches. Given that both his club coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, and Hugo Broos want him to play as the No. 10 due to his creativity and nippy feet, he needs more game time to familiarise himself with the position.
For this reason, Broos should start him ahead of Zwane. Zwane has already mastered the art of playing behind the strikers, with Broos confirming he will board the flight to the World Cup as long as he is fit. Furthermore, the 36-year-old needs to be carefully managed to prevent injuries.
Bafana at training on Monday. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Foster has been the go-to man for goals for Bafana Bafana in recent years. However, he had an average performance during the 1-1 draw with Panama in Durban, missing chances and failing to get into the right channels. Broos still backs Foster to lead the line but has stressed that he can be “a little bit” lazy sometimes.
He needs a wake-up call by being dropped for Makgopa in Cape Town. Makgopa has been lukewarm this season in front of goal, but his hard work has been evident. While he and Foster are like-for-like players, Makgopa’s ability to get into the right spaces offers more freedom to the rest of the attack.
Mbokazi is expected to be the heartbeat of the Bafana Bafana defence against Panama, having been rested alongside Bongokuhle Hlongwane in Durban. The Chicago Fire star is a good reader of the game, makes accurate passes, and performs timely tackles.
Given that his national team partner, Siyabonga Ngezana, is currently sidelined due to an injury, he will need a new partner in the next few months. Enter Okon. The Hannover 96 defender has been rock solid for his club in Bundesliga 2, where he has also assisted two goals. After another solid shift in the draw with Panama, Broos should give him another look on Tuesday, pairing him with Mbokazi.
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