Broos Sends Warning After Chaine Omission From Bafana Squad
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has warned that the omission of Sipho Chaine should not be taken lightly, stressing that every player must feel under pressure to perform.
Chaine was left out of the final squad announced on Thursday for the upcoming international friendlies against Panama. The two matches will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 27 March and four days later at DHL Stadium.
The Orlando Pirates goalkeeper has been replaced by Renaldo Leaner of Sekhukhune United, while Ricardo Goss retains his place alongside captain Ronwen Williams.
Despite an impressive season at club level — helping Pirates climb to second place in the Betway Premiership with 30 appearances and 18 clean sheets — Chaine’s performances were not enough to secure selection.
Broos made it clear that competition for places remains fierce ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Everybody has to be worried. I’m not saying he hasn’t performed, but this is not charity — this is very serious,” said Broos.
“Leaner, again, I want to see him — in camp, on the pitch and off the pitch. Then we will evaluate.”
Leaner, 28, has already earned two international caps after making his debut against Tanzania in June last year, with his second appearance coming against Mozambique. Broos emphasised that the call-up is an opportunity to further assess the goalkeeper.
“I think Leaner is always on the preliminary list,” Broos added.
“This was a good moment to bring him back. He has been with us before, and I want to see him again. Then we will decide.”
Meanwhile, Broos has welcomed back several key players to the squad, including Themba Zwane, Jayden Adams, Thapelo Maseko and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
Zwane returns after a lengthy absence due to an ACL injury suffered during the Africa Cup of Nations in October 2024, which also ruled him out of the 2025 edition in Morocco.
Adams, who endured a slow start to the season, has rediscovered form and become a regular in midfield for Mamelodi Sundowns since the resumption of domestic football after AFCON in January.
Germany-based defender Ime Okon also returns after recovering from injury, while Siyabonga Ngezana misses out due to injury.
The upcoming fixtures will serve as crucial preparation for Bafana Bafana as they fine-tune their squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
