Hugo Broos hands fresh opportunities in preliminary Bafana squad for Panama friendlies

The matches form part of Bafana Bafana’s preparations for upcoming international competitions and will take place on 27 March at Moses Mabhida Stadium and on 31 March at DHL Stadium.

One of the standout inclusions is 21-year-old defender Olwethu Makhanya, who has impressed with Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. The former Stellenbosch centre-back played a key role as the club finished top of the regular-season standings last year.

The squad also features new faces such as Renaldo Leaner, Vuyo Letlapa and AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson, while Germany-based defender Ime Okon has also been included.

Midfielder Jayden Adams returns after a strong run of form with Mamelodi Sundowns, with experienced players including Themba Zwane and Thapelo Morena also part of the group.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Patrick Maswanganyi are among the returning names, while Polokwane City midfielder Ndamulelo Maphangule and Yanela Mbuthuma have also been included.

Several players who were part of the recent AFCON squad in Morocco have been omitted, including Bathusi Aubaas, Shandre Campbell, Elias Mokwana, Sipho Mbule and injured defender Siyabonga Ngezana.

The squad will assemble later this month before being trimmed for the two friendlies, with Broos continuing to balance youth and experience in the national setup. Notably, there was no representation from Kaizer Chiefs in the preliminary squad.

Preliminary Bafana Bafana squad vs Panama

Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Darren Johnson (AmaZulu), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders: Samukelo Kabini (Molde), Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers), Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders: Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota FC), Luke le Roux (Portsmouth), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Patrick Maswanganyi, Yanela Mbuthuma, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns).