Is Bafana Bafana ready for the big stage?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, the question remains whether the South African national football team is ready for the world’s biggest football stage.

In a two-legged friendly series against Panama, played on Friday 27 March and Tuesday 31 March 2026 in Durban and Cape Town respectively, Bafana drew 1-1 in the first leg and lost 2-1 in the second. This result marked their first home loss since coach Hugo Broos’ appointment in May 2021. Both matches created more confusion than clarity regarding the team’s readiness.

With 180 minutes of football played, Bafana Bafana managed to score two goals. Both came without the involvement of their main striker, Lyle Foster, who started both games upfront. That may well be identified as the first problem in the team. Even more concerning is that the man who came on to replace him in the latter parts of both matches, Evidence Makgopa, also failed to make an impact in terms of getting the ball into the net. In his defence, however, he did offer some great link-up play upfront when he came on. This is a problem that can be solved, as there are proven goal poachers in South African football in the likes of Iqraam Rayners and Tshegofatso Mabasa. These are two strikers who could be part of the solution when the final World Cup squad is announced.

The remainder of the attacking unit looked lively and eager to get in behind Panama’s defence, which stands as a huge positive. The team played with a system that accommodated a number 10. In this setup, both Themba Zwane and Relebohile Mofokeng showed promise, along with wide players Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis. The concern in this department, however, is why these friendlies were approached with a number 10, knowing this is not coach Hugo Broos’ preferred system heading into the World Cup. It raises the question of whether it would be more beneficial to begin preparing with the preferred style of play ahead of the tournament.

In midfield, the ever-present Teboho Mokoena held his own, as expected, over the two games. Alongside him in the early parts of the first match was Siphephelo Sithole, and Jayden Adams in the second. The former raised some eyebrows among fans, while the latter looked strong on his return to the national team. Orlando Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha also had short cameos in both games, offering little to either critique or praise. The midfield does not raise major concerns, with a group of solid players capable of rising to the occasion when required. There would be little concern if coach Hugo Broos were to take this group to the World Cup.

The defence saw Hannover 96’s Ime Okon making his official FIFA-recognised debut for Bafana, following his COSAFA Cup appearance in 2025, in impressive fashion as he completed the full 180 minutes across both matches. Alongside him in the first match was Khulumani Ndamane and Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the second. The young trio displayed notable courage. These players appear ready for the big stage, although they could benefit from more experienced partners. Turning to players such as Grant Kekana and Keanu Cupido would not be a concern. The experienced wing backs, Aubrey Modiba and Khuliso Mudau, also delivered solid performances. Thapelo Maseko deserves recognition for his lively contribution off the bench on his return to the national team. Mbokazi also deserves praise for his out-of-the-box strike in the second half of the second match.

The goalkeeping department saw national number one Ronwen Williams start both matches. Renaldo Leaner, who has been delivering strong performances for his domestic club, made his national team debut in the second half of the second game and went on to concede two goals. Despite both goals coming from set pieces, it remains a difficult debut for the Sekhukhune United goalkeeper. The question now is whether the coach will include him in the World Cup squad or recall Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine to join Ronwen Williams and Ricardo Goss.

Taking all of this into consideration, this is a fairly well-assembled squad that could perform on the big stage with a few adjustments. The addition of players such as Iqraam Rayners, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thembinkosi Lorch, Grant Kekana, Thapelo Morena, Keanu Cupido, and Sipho Chaine could elevate the team into a force to be reckoned with.

It remains to be seen whether Bafana Bafana are ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on 11 June. Their opening match is against Mexico, a repeat of the opening fixture staged on home soil at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.