South Africans Abroad: TEN players in Bafana Bafana squad
The Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the Panama friendly is out, and it consists of TEN players who ply their trade abroad.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced a preliminary squad that will face Panama in back-to-back friendlies later this month.
Broos’ men will first play Panama on 27 March in Durban before flying out to Cape Town for the second match on 31 March.
Now, Broos has cast his net wide and far as he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with those plying their trade abroad getting the attention.
Bafana Bafana squads are usually dominated by local-based players, especially those from both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
However, it appears there will be stiff competition for places going forward, as Broos searches for his best squad for the FIFA World Cup.
SA People takes a look at South African stars playing abroad who made the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad.
Also read | FIFA World Cup: List of African referees out, no Abongile Tom
SOUTH AFRICANS ABROAD: WHO MADE IT TO BAFANA BAFANA PRELIMINARY SQUAD?
- Mohau Nkota – Al Ettifaq
- Samukelo Kabini – Molde FK
- Tylon Smith – QPR
- Olwethu Makhanya – Philadelphia SC
- Ime Okon – Hannover 96
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Chicago Fire
- Luke le Roux – Portsmouth FC
- Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela
- Bongokuhle Hlongwane – Minnesota
- Lyle Foster – Burnley FC
Also read | FIFA World Cup: Bafana Bafana could be without key defender
HOW MANY OF THESE WILL MAKE IT TO THE FIFA WORLD CUP?
The majority of these players have been part of the Bafana Bafana setup, and Broos knows them well.
The likes of Foster, Nkota and Mbokazi are almost likely to be part of the FIFA World Cup squad provided they are fit enough.
Smith was part of the Bafana Bafana squad of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco but he did not get any minutes under his belt.