Coach Hugo Broos has made several changes, some enforced by injury, after admitting he was desperately disappointed with the showing of the side at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and saying they needed to find their “Bafana DNA” again.
Injuries have resulted in Zwane making only two league starts for Mamelodi Sundowns in the last two seasons, while he has not played for Bafana since October 2024.
But his experience and ability to unlock a defence, especially in the absence of Sipho Mbule, have led to a recall.
"He makes the players around him better," Broos told SABC. "He is a very experienced and intelligent player. He knows where to run, he scores, and I was so happy that he is now not injured anymore.
"We wanted him back earlier, but he got another injury and was out five or six weeks. I was afraid because of his injury more than a year ago, was his achilles, and at his age ... but what I hear from the people at Sundowns he is back and the will give us a lot of satisfaction with his intelligence.
"He is a nice guy and he can help the younger players too with his experience and intelligence."
Minnesota United winger Hlongwane was a favourite early in Broos’ reign, but he has not featured for the side since November 2023. With the Major League Soccer season having just started, he does not have much form behind him but gets his chance.
"The moment we dropped him (Hlongwane), it was because he disappointed us in the performances with the national team," Broos admitted. "But the travel those guys have to make (from the USA) is not easy. They are 24 hours on the road, with a seven hour time difference.
"They need a bit of time to recuperate, and therefore I can already say now don't expect Hlongwane and Mbekezeli (Mbokazi) in the team for the first game (against Panama).
"But still he (Hlongwane) performed with Minnesota, and I think it is the right time now to bring him back. He has the talent and the qualities to help us. He is a guy who works hard and can score. So let's see."
Maseko, who is on loan in Cyprus at AEL Limassol, has been in good form, having last featured for Bafana in February 2024. He was inexplicably frozen out at Sundowns, but is clearly a player Broos admires.
Ronwen Williams leads the goalkeepers, with Orlando Pirates gloveman Sipho Chaine a notable absentee, while Ricardo Goss (Siwelele) and Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United) are the other options.
Romania-based centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana is missing with a knee injury that has plunged his World Cup hopes into doubt, so there is a chance for Germany-based Ime Okon, who debuted for Bafana at the 2025 COSAFA Cup.
Chicago Fire’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi gets the nod despite Broos’ criticism of his move to MLS.
Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates) and Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal) are the midfielders.
There is no recall for Iqraam Rayners despite his fine recent form for Sundowns, with Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa again the lead forwards.
The Pirates trio of Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi and Relebohile Mofokeng all feature.
Bafana take on Panama in Durban on March 27 and again in Cape Town four days later.
They play in the opening game of the World Cup against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on June 11.
South Africa squad:
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United)
Defender: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United, USA), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)