The road to the 2026 World Cup officially began in earnest for South Africa on Tuesday, as Belgian coach Hugo Broos unveiled a blockbuster 36-man preliminary Bafana Bafana squad. The extended list, assembled for upcoming international friendlies against Panama, is the first concrete step in preparing for a daunting World Cup group stage that will see South Africa lock horns with footballing heavyweights Argentina, Mexico, and Poland.
While the sheer size of the squad—designed to cast a wide net ahead of final cuts—was notable, it was the names missing from the list that sent the loudest shockwaves through the South African football fraternity.
For the first time in recent memory, the famous gold and black of Kaizer Chiefs was entirely absent from a Bafana call-up. Not a single Amakhosi player received the nod from Broos, a decision that has ignited a fierce debate among fans and pundits alike.
Broos, true to his reputation for blunt honesty, has consistently stated that his selection policy is based purely on current form and fitness, not on club reputation or historical pedigree. This latest squad is a stark reflection of that philosophy. While bitter rivals Orlando Pirates dominate the call-ups with a staggering 11 players selected, their Soweto neighbours were completely frozen out, highlighting the glaring inconsistency that has plagued the Glamour Boys this season.
The selection does, however, offer a wealth of experience and exciting new talent. In a major boost for the side, veteran playmaker Themba Zwane makes his return to the fold. The Mamelodi Sundowns maestro, known for his ability to unlock stubborn defences, will be tasked with pulling the strings in the middle of the park as Bafana look to build an attacking rhythm.
Up front, Broos will be hoping to unleash the promising partnership of Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa. Foster, who has been plying his trade in England with Burnley, brings physicality and pace, while Makgopa has established himself as a reliable target man for both club and country. They are supported by a solid defensive nucleus that includes the ever-reliable Khuliso Mudau, whose marauding runs from right-back have become a key attacking outlet.
The two friendly matches against Panama—set for March 27 in Durban and March 31 in Cape Town—will serve as a vital dress rehearsal. Panama, a physical and organized CONCACAF side, will provide a stern test and a useful barometer for where Bafana currently stand. For Broos, these games are not just about the result; they are about identifying which players have the mentality and tactical discipline to compete against the likes of Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Robert Lewandowski’s Poland when the World Cup points are on the line.
“We have selected a large group to allow us to assess players in a competitive environment,” Broos explained in his announcement. “The next week will be crucial. We will trim this list based on who shows the best form and, most importantly, who is fully fit. The matches against Panama are our first real preparation for the World Cup, and we need players who are ready to fight for a place.”
The omission of Kaizer Chiefs has, predictably, dominated the fan discourse. Social media platforms erupted with a mix of outrage and acceptance.
“How can you have a Bafana squad without Chiefs? It’s unthinkable!” one frustrated fan posted. However, another countered, “Broos is right. Look at the league table. Pirates are flying, Chiefs are struggling. You can’t pick players on history. Pick them on form.”
As the debate rages on, the focus for Broos and his technical team now shifts to the training ground. With a bloated squad of 36, the next week will be a pressure cooker for the players. They know that only a fraction of them will make the final cut to face Panama, and even fewer will earn the right to stand alongside the world’s best on football’s grandest stage in 2026. The journey has begun, and Hugo Broos has made it abundantly clear: reputation means nothing; only performance matters.
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