Bafana Bafana showed glimpses of their quality, flair, flamboyance, and what people can expect from them in June at the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the Americas. Yes, their performance against Panama on Friday night had two or three moments that could cost them on a big stage like the World Cup if they persist, but their overall display was promising and on the right track.
Bafana controlled most, if not all of the entire game, and played some good football against the Central American side that is about 25 positions ahead on the Fifa world rankings.
That performance left Bafana coach Hugo Broos visibly delighted and hopes his side will carry the same attitude, probably even better, heading into the second and final friendly match on Tuesday in Mother City.
“I’m very happy with how we performed. It was a big difference from what we showed in Morocco [at the Africa Cup of Nations], and I think we can all tell that the team improved.
“We must wait for the game on Tuesday, and if we can play the same game as today [on Friday], I think it will be safe to say that the Bafana Bafana we all know and have been so enthusiastic about over the last two to three years is back!”
Even Panama coach Thomas Christiansen was left impressed. “I saw what we expected from this South African team, a physical and fast team in attack, with good transitions and making a lot of good runs.
“They also caught us on some of the spaces we had intended to close. So, I hope on Tuesday we will work on some of the mistakes we made and will probably see some new faces getting a chance as well.”
While on the subject of ‘“new faces” on Bafana’s side, some who raised their hands when they were given a chance, particularly Ime Okon, who commanded the defensive role alongside Khulumani Ndamane in the absence of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
This sort of competition will, in the long run, be good for the team and even the coach, as he will have a tough decision in selecting the final World Cup squad. The team that Broos selected for this camp was strong enough without the familiar faces of Mohau Nkota, Sipho Chaine, Thapelo Morena, Sipho Mbule, and even Iqraam Rayners. There are also some players who are still knocking on Broos’ door with convincing week-in-week-out performances. There are players like Tylon Smith, Shandre Campbell, Patrick Maswanganyi and Kamogelo Sebelebele who were once in Broos’ radar and could return.
So, looking ahead to Tuesday, Broos will most likely give players who did not get a run on Friday a chance, such as Mbokazi, Sibisi, Thapelo Maseko, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, and perhaps even the third-choice goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.
The game on Tuesday night will be played at the Cape Town Stadium at 19:30pm.
