Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has described the team’s current training camp as important for players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Americas.
The squad has assembled for two international friendlies against Panama, with the first match scheduled for Durban on Friday. Broos named a 23-man squad, trimmed from a preliminary group of 38 announced earlier this month.
Following a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, where the team was eliminated in the round of 16, Broos says selection will be based on more than performance.
Broos says, “This is not an ordinary camp just to play the two upcoming friendlies. The two games against Panama are very important because we are planning for our opening game of the world cup against Mexico. So players should not expect just to come here, play two friendlies and go back to their clubs. This is an important camp, I will be observing a lot of things during this camp looking at the behaviour of my players, their conduct and how they talk to each other”.
Broos says will reward form and professional conduct
With around 80 days before the World Cup, Broos says players must prove they are ready.
He says, “A lot of people were critical when we announced our next opponent, but Panama is 30 places ahead of Bafana in the fifa rankings. The result for me is not that important. but i want to see the Bafana Bafana I have seen in the past three years, something that was lacking at the African cup of nations in Morocco,” says Broos.
New players have been included in the squad, including 22-year-old defender Ime Okon and goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.
Okon says, “I am very excited to be here amongst the guys, yes I had injury problems in the past. but now I’m here looking forward to all the training sessions and the two upcoming games.”
Leaner says, “For me this is my second time to be here and I’m so grateful. I have been working very hard to realise my dream of going to the World Cup. I don’t think I was very surprised to be in the team”.
Not all players reported on the first day of camp. Mamelodi Sundowns players were returning from a CAF Champions League match in Mali, while four overseas-based players are expected to join the squad on Tuesday.
Bafana Bafana ramp up World cup preparations
The first day of the Bafana Bafana camp in Pretoria was a hive of energetic activity, with South African Football Association partners conducting sponsorship activations.#BafanaPride @10bet_ZA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/FoBuZ08bdh
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 23, 2026
www.sabcnews.com, https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/broos-prioritises-key-training-camp-urges-world-cup-readiness/
