Who impressed and who did not for Bafana Bafana against Panama?
This match served as a key fixture for the team just two and a half months before the 2026 World Cup, and they are set to meet the same rivals once more in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Certain individuals shone brightly, whereas others struggled during the encounter. Below we highlight three who excelled, and three aiming to improve in the Mother City.
Top performers
Oswin Appollis
The Orlando Pirates wide player has consistently been in top form for Bafana lately, netting his eighth goal for the national side over the past 16 months with a solid strike. Over that span, no teammate has matched his tally. He might have notched a few more assists as well, although an initial opportunity was denied by the keeper, marking yet another strong performance in the colours of his country. At 24, the young talent has room to develop further.
Khulumani Ndamane
The 22-year-old defender formed an unusual central partnership with fellow novice Ime Okon, also 22. Coach Hugo Broos took a risk by fielding the pair, likely preserving Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekezeli Mbokazi for the Cape Town clash. Nevertheless, Ndamane shone and, together with the backline, restricted Panama to merely two opportunities, from one of which they converted. Already a capable performer, Ndamane could emerge as a prominent figure for South Africa with added experience.
Themba Zwane
The experienced midfielder returned for his first appearance since October 2024, performing as if he had never been absent. With deft touches and skilful manoeuvres, many leading to positive outcomes, plus astute ball distribution. He played for 60 minutes before substitution, but his display undoubtedly secured his spot for the World Cup journey. He remains an exceptional talent capable of excelling at the elite level.
Need to pull up their socks
Lyle Foster
The evening did not favour Foster. He squandered several opportunities, appearing the most irritated by his misses. On occasion, the sharpness and intuition simply evade a player. Yet he is Bafana’s primary forward and demonstrated his prowess by finding promising spots. Goals are sure to follow, especially given some outstanding saves that denied him.
Khuliso Mudau
Mudau holds the position of Bafana’s premier right-back, yet a growing carelessness in his game has emerged recently, which must be addressed ahead of the World Cup. He lost the ball in a sequence leading to Panama’s strike, and although he contributed an assist via a smart header setting up Appollis’s goal, his defensive duties remain his core evaluation point. He often opted for the most challenging pass despite simpler alternatives being present. Keeping it straightforward can often prove effective.
Sphephelo Sithole
Returning to familiar territory in Durban, Sithole sought to make an impact, but similar lapses in his handling nearly cost the team on multiple instances. Thalente Mbatha entered during the second period and swiftly elevated the precision and possession quality. Sithole possesses numerous strengths, but he seemed overwhelmed by the match’s tempo on Friday, raising concerns.