Hugo Broos Recalls Key Players for Bafana Squad with Zwane Back and USA Winger Included
Hugo Broos the coach has introduced various alterations, including some due to injuries, following his admission of deep dissatisfaction with the teams performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where he stressed the need to rediscover their “Bafana DNA”.
Injuries meant Zwane only started twice in league matches for Mamelodi Sundowns over the past two seasons, and he has been absent from Bafana duty since October 2024.
However, his expertise and skill in breaking down defences, particularly without Sipho Mbule available, prompted his comeback.
"He improves the players nearby," Broos shared with SABC. "He is highly experienced and clever on the pitch. He understands positioning, he nets goals, and I felt relieved that he is injury free once more.
"We aimed to have him sooner, yet another setback kept him sidelined for five or six weeks. I worried due to his prior achilles issue over a year back, considering his age ... but feedback from Sundowns staff indicates he is fit and ready to contribute significantly with his smarts.
"He is a pleasant individual and can guide the younger squad members through his know how and astuteness."
Hlongwane from Minnesota United endeared himself early under Broos tenure, yet he has not appeared for the national team since November 2023. Although the Major League Soccer campaign has barely begun, limiting his recent sharpness, he earns a spot now.
"When we excluded him (Hlongwane), it stemmed from his underwhelming displays with the national side," Broos conceded. "However, the journeys those players endure (from the USA) prove challenging. They spend 24 hours travelling, facing a seven hour time shift.
"They require some recovery period, so I can mention upfront that Hlongwane and Mbekezeli (Mbokazi) may not start in the initial match (versus Panama).
"Even so, he (Hlongwane) has shown well for Minnesota, and I believe the timing suits his return. He possesses the skills and attributes to aid us. He is diligent and capable of finding the net. So we will observe."
Maseko currently loaned to AEL Limassol in Cyprus has impressed lately, with his last Bafana outing in February 2024. He faced an odd exclusion at Sundowns, but evidently remains a favourite for Broos.
Ronwen Williams heads the goalkeeper list, notably without Orlando Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine, while Ricardo Goss from Siwelele and Renaldo Leaner of Sekhukhune United provide alternatives.
Siyabonga Ngezana in Romania sits out due to a knee problem casting uncertainty over his World Cup prospects, opening an opportunity for Ime Okon based in Germany, who first played for Bafana during the 2025 COSAFA Cup.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire secures selection despite Broos reservations about his MLS transfer.
The midfield consists of Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both from Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), and Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela in Portugal).
Iqraam Rayners misses out on recall despite strong recent showings for Sundowns, leaving Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa as primary strikers.
The Orlando Pirates group including Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, and Relebohile Mofokeng all make the cut.
Bafana face Panama in Durban on March 27 and revisit in Cape Town just four days after.
They open their World Cup campaign against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on June 11.
South Africa squad:
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United)
Defender: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United, USA), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)