Broos Backs Panama Friendlies As Ideal Against Mexico

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says he is well aware of the debate surrounding their upcoming FIFA-sanctioned friendlies against Panama, but believes the fixtures will provide the perfect preparation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the global showpiece set to kick off in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where Bafana Bafana will face the latter on 11 June in the opening FIFA World Cup group stage match, Broos emphasized the importance of using this final FIFA international window effectively to fine-tune the team’s readiness.

Bafana Bafana will take on Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday before the two sides meet again at DHL Stadium on Tuesday.

Panama, like South Africa, have qualified for the World Cup and will face Ghana, England and Croatia in their group.

Currently ranked 33rd in the FIFA world rankings—27 places above Bafana Bafana—they are expected to provide a stern test for the hosts.

Broos explained that Panama’s playing style, similar to that of Mexico, makes them an ideal opponent ahead of South Africa’s World Cup opener.

“I know that when Panama was announced as the opponent for two games in March, some people were asking, ‘Panama, why Panama?’” said Broos.

“Well, Panama are ranked 30 places above us, so that already means something. Secondly, they are from the Americas and have a similar style of play to Mexico, who are our first opponents.

“I think it was the right decision to choose Panama for these two matches in South Africa. We will learn a lot from the Central American style of football.

“The result is not the most important thing, although it still matters. I don’t want us to lose, especially not heavily, because we need to learn as much as possible about these types of teams.”

Broos, who has indicated he could step down after the Africa Cup of Nations—although there are suggestions he may reconsider—said he wants to see a return to the high standards his side showed in recent years.

He pointed to the form that saw Bafana Bafana excel at the 2024 AFCON and secure World Cup qualification, insisting that identity must be rediscovered after their 2025 AFCON round-of-16 exit to Cameroon.

“On the other hand, I want to see again the Bafana Bafana I’ve seen over the past three years,” he said. “That’s something we lost at AFCON, and we need to bring it back. That’s also why there are a few changes in the squad.”

Broos also outlined the team’s travel and preparation schedule, confirming that the squad would train early in the week before heading to Durban for the first clash, followed by a trip to Cape Town for the second encounter.

Meanwhile, the Belgian coach revealed that several players were absent at the start of camp on Monday.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), and Samukele Kabini (Molde) were expected to arrive on Tuesday, along with Mamelodi Sundowns players returning from CAF Champions League duty in Mali.

“At breakfast, we will be complete and can fully start our preparations for the two games against Panama,” Broos confirmed.