International duo absent for Panama friendly, confirms Bafana coach Hugo Broos

South Africa face the central American country at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban in the first of two friendly matches, beofre a second test at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The games form part of Bafana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup where they will face co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and one of Denmark or the Czech Republic.

Broos has named a strong squad that includes both Chicago Fire centre-back Mbokazi and Minnesota United striker Hlongwane.

But both players will only be considered for Tuesday's clash after only arriving in camp following a draining long-haul flight from the United States on Tuesday.

"The only thing I can say about the team is that Hlongwane and Mbokazi will not play," Broos said on IOL.

"This is not tactical. It is not because they are sick or injured. It's just a question of the trip they made from America to here, and the jet lag."

Broos has a number of options to consider in defence and attack for the opening game, and explained he was impressed with what he has seen in training this week.

“I'm very happy with what I saw at training. I think the guys are very motivated to have a good result,” he said.

"We all know it will be a tough opponent, but on the other hand, it's good preparation for us for the game against Mexico in three months.

"The result is important. It's always important. Not the other way. The most important thing for me is the team's performance, not the result.

"I think if we can play well and win, it will give us a boost of confidence. This will also help us believe in ourselves."