Bafana Bafana: SEVEN South Africans Abroad picked for Panama

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his squad for back-to-back international friendlies with Panama.

Broos’ men will face Panama in Durban on 27 March before hosting them in Cape Town on 31 March.

This is dubbed a FIFA World Cup preparatory fixture for Bafana Bafana, and gives Broos a chance to assess his squad.

There are a number of surprise omissions from this latest squad, including that of Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

However, Broos has decided to keep the core of the Bafana Bafana squad for these two matches.

The majority of the squad is dominated by local-based stars with just SEVEN players plying their trade abroad.

SA People takes a look at these players who include returnee Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD WITH SEVEN STARS PLAYING ABROAD

• Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire)
• Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK)
• Ime Okon (Hannover 96)
• Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)
• Lyle Foster (Burnley FC)
• Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol)
• Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota)

WHICH OMISSIONS RAISED EYEBROWS?

The omission of Chaine has already raised eyebrows, and it comes despite him keeping more cleansheets than any other goalkeeper.

Kamogelo Sebelebele and Iqraam Rayners were also expected to be in this Bafana Bafana squad given their form.

Some may also talk about Mohau Nkota’s exclusion, but in all honesty, the speedy attacker hasn’t been playing at Al-Ettifaq.