Hugo Broos has named the Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya in his 38-man preliminary squad to face Panama this month. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
In a move that has generated a degree of excitement and debate among football fans, South African senior national team coach Hugo Broos has named Philadelphia Union centre-back Olwethu Makhanya to a preliminary squad of 38 players for upcoming friendlies against Panama, in preperation for the Fifa World Cup 2026 in the US, Canada and Mexico.
The inclusion of Makhanya, a promising 21-year-old who previously played for Stellenbosch, in the Bafana Bafana squad represents a breakthrough, especially given his impressive performance in Major League Soccer (MLS) last season. He played an instrumental role in helping the Union clinch the top spot in the regular season standings.
Despite his accolades, Broos has faced criticism from fans and pundits alike for allegedly overlooking the squad’s burgeoning talent. Makhanya’s selection, therefore, not only highlights a shift toward younger players but also emphasises recognising exceptional performances abroad.
The two friendlies are scheduled for 27 March and 31 March, with South Africa set to host the Central American side first in Durban and then in Cape Town. These matches provide a significant opportunity for both established and emerging players to showcase their abilities on the international stage while also building team cohesion ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup.
Broos has been keen to stress the importance of establishing a solid foundation for the team and sees these friendlies as pivotal in achieving that goal.
The final World Cup squad will hinge on performances during this preparatory phase. For players like Makhanya, this is a golden opportunity to secure their place in the national setup.
As the date draws closer, fans will be eagerly watching how Makhanya and his teammates perform. With many eyes on the young defender — who currently commands a market value of approximately €1.2 million (about R24.4m) — the upcoming friendlies could very well mark his first step toward a long and successful international career.
The final squad selection will be pared down from the initial group of 38 as Broos looks to refine his defensive combinations.
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Darren Johnson (AmaZulu), Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Samukelo Kabini (Molde, Norway), Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA), Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Khuliso Mudau, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers, England), Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates)
Midfielders: Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota FC, USA), Luke le Roux (Portsmouth, England), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mthetheleli Mthinyane (Stellenbosch), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus), Patrick Maswanaganyi, Yanela Mbuthuma, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)