Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane has been recalled to the Bafana Bafana squad for this month’s two home friendlies against Panama, significantly strengthening his chances of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

Head coach Hugo Broos confirmed his final 23-man squad on SABC Sport on Thursday, with the fixtures set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 27 and Cape Town Stadium on March 31. The matches form part of the final international window before the World Cup kicks off in June across Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Bafana have been drawn in Group A, where they will open their campaign against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on June 11, before facing South Korea and a yet-to-be-determined European Path D qualifier.

Zwane, now 36, missed the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year after returning from a long-term injury without sufficient match fitness. In his absence, Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule struggled to replicate his pre-tournament form on the big stage, as Bafana — bronze medallists in 2024 — suffered a disappointing last-16 exit following a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon.

There are also recalls for Zwane’s Sundowns teammate Jayden Adams, who has rediscovered his form, and Thapelo Maseko. The 22-year-old winger, who impressed at AFCON 2024, had fallen out of favour at club level but has regained momentum during a loan spell at Aris Limassol in Cyprus.

Broos defended the decision to face Panama — often viewed as a less formidable opponent — highlighting their FIFA ranking and stylistic similarities to Mexico.

“We wanted a team with a similar playing style to Mexico, and they are currently ranked 33rd in the world,” Broos explained.

“That makes them a very good opponent, and it means we will have two tough matches.”

Panama have also qualified for the expanded 48-team World Cup and will compete in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana.

While results remain important, Broos emphasised that performance and tactical assessment will take priority during the friendlies.

“I don’t want to lose both games, of course, but what matters most is how we perform,” he said.

“Two months later we will face Mexico under more difficult conditions — against the host nation in a packed stadium of over 80,000 people.

“These matches will help us understand where we are, what we need to improve, and how we can better prepare for that opening game.”

The Belgian tactician also made it clear that the upcoming camp will serve as a final audition for players hoping to secure a place in the World Cup squad.

“This is not just a camp,” Broos added. “It’s an opportunity for players to prove they deserve to be part of the team.”

Bafana Bafana Squad

Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United)

Defenders:
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)

Midfielders:
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela, Portugal)

Forwards:
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (Aris Limassol, Cyprus)