Hugo Broos leaves out some big names from preliminary squad for Panama friendlies

There is no place in the preliminary squad for Sipho Mbule
There is no place in the preliminary squad for Sipho MbuleKHALED DESOUKI / AFP

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named a preliminary squad for the two home friendly internationals against Panama later this month that gives a window into his thoughts ahead of the 2026 World Cup. 

The squad is filled with the usual suspects, though there is no place for Orlando PiratesSipho Mbule, who has barely played since the Africa Cup of Nations.

Centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana, midfielder Bathusi Aubaas and young winger Shandre Campbell are also missing.

There is a return to the thinking for midfielder Jayden Adams, while Minnesota United winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane and AEL Limassol winger Thapelo Maseko also appear. 

Olwethu Makhanya fron Philedelphia Union gets what many will see as long overdue recognition. 

Bafana Bafana take on Panama in Durban on March 27 and Cape Town on March 31.

The preliminary squad will be reduced to a smaller squad for the two friendlies, which will give an indication of who is in line to play at the World Cup in June, where South Africa opens the tournament against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on June 11.

Bafana Bafana preliminary squad
Bafana Bafana preliminary squadSAFA