Hugo Broos recalls Themba Zwane as South Africa reshape squad ahead of Panama friendlies

Themba Zwane has been handed a timely return to the national team as Hugo Broos begins a rebuild of South Africa’s squad ahead of crucial international assignments, including preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

The veteran playmaker headlines a list of notable inclusions for Bafana Bafana’s upcoming friendlies against Panama national football team later this month, with the fixtures offering a platform for both experienced campaigners and fringe players to stake their claims.

Zwane’s recall comes after a prolonged absence from international football, largely due to injury setbacks that have restricted his appearances at club level.

Broos, still reeling from what he described as a disappointing campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, has opted for a blend of experience and fresh energy as he attempts to rediscover the team’s identity. The Belgian coach has been candid about the need to re-establish what he terms the side’s “Bafana DNA,” and the return of Zwane is seen as a step in that direction.

“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.”

Also returning to the fold are wide players Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Thapelo Maseko, both of whom have spent extended periods outside the national setup.

Hlongwane, now with Minnesota United FC, has not featured for the national side since 2023, but earns another opportunity despite limited recent match sharpness. Maseko, on loan at AEL Limassol, has impressed with consistent performances abroad, forcing his way back into contention after falling out of favour at Mamelodi Sundowns.

In goal, captain Ronwen Williams retains his place, though the absence of Sipho Chaine opens the door for alternatives. Defensively, the squad will be without Siyabonga Ngezana due to a knee injury, creating an opportunity for emerging options such as Ime Okon to further establish themselves.

Midfield responsibilities will again fall on a familiar core including Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha and Sphephelo Sithole, while attacking duties are expected to be led by Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa.

The exclusion of in-form forward Iqraam Rayners is among the more surprising decisions, even as Broos signals a willingness to experiment.

Meanwhile, a cluster of Orlando Pirates players, including Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi and Relebohile Mofokeng, have been retained as part of the evolving setup.

South Africa will host Panama in Durban on March 27 before a second meeting in Cape Town four days later, fixtures that are expected to provide critical insight into Broos’ rebuilding process ahead of a demanding international calendar.