Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has defended his and the South African Football Association (SAFA) decision to select Panama for two friendly games, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This following criticism that the team could have instead selected a stronger opponent, to test Bafana strength against teams from the CONCACAF region.
Panama is currently ranked 33 in the FIFA World rankings and are currently a strong contender in the CONCACAF region.
Broos however said the two matches will be crucial in his build-up to the tournament.
“It was the right decision to choose Panama to play two international games here in South Africa.
We will learn a lot about the middle American style of playing football.
The result is not that important, but I do not want to have two defeats or big defeats.
We have to learn about those kinds of countries,” said Broos during a media briefing in Pretoria where the team is having its camp.
Furthermore, the coach said that to face top-ranking teams, SAFA would have to pay a staggering R83m to host Brazil, and R97m to host the current world champions, Argentina.
Broos highlighted that the games against Panama will be an opportunity for the team to redeem itself, following his complaints that the team hasn’t yet reached the level he last saw three years ago.
“This was something we lost during the recent Africa Cup of Nations and we have to restore it, and that is why there are a few changes in our selections,” explained the coach.
The Belgian mentor says he expect all the players to report for duty on Tuesday, as the camp is still missing a few players including those from Mamelodi Sundowns, who just returned to the country from Bamako, Mali, after a CAF Champions League quarterfinal return leg against Stade Malien on Sunday.
The US-based contingent of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Thapelo Maseko and Samukele Kabini are all expected on Tuesday.
Bafana will first face Panama at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, 27 March before facing the visitors in the second game in Cape Town on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
Bafana are in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and winner of European Playoff 4
