Panama friendlies offer Bafana Bafana chance to rebuild confidence ahead of Fifa World Cup

Bafana Bafana have undoubtedly been on the rise over the past few years, earning a podium finish at 2023 AFCON, qualifying for back-to-back continental showpieces, and returning automatically to the global stage for the first time in more than two decades.

However, their disappointing 2025 AFCON campaign last month in Morocco cannot be overlooked. The setback was painful for everyone involved, with naysayers beginning to question the team’s ability to compete at the Fifa World Cup in North America in winter.

Perhaps as an opportunity to redeem themselves and restore faith among supporters, following a 25-match unbeaten run that ended with a loss to Egypt in their second group-stage match at AFCON, Safa and head coach Hugo Broos deemed it fitting to line up a superior – yet relatively unpopular – opponent as part of their World Cup preparations in March on home soil. A move that could prove to be a masterstroke.

Bafana will face Panama in two international friendly matches next month during the Fifa window, with dates and venues yet to be confirmed by Safa.

Although ranked 33rd in the Fifa rankings – 27 places above the 60th-ranked South Africans – Panama remain largely under the radar in football circles. However, their lack of popularity does not diminish what they can offer Bafana: strong competition and an opportunity for renewal.

The Central American side is among the 48 teams set to compete at the global showpiece after finishing top of Group A in the Concacaf qualifiers with 12 points from three wins, three draws, and no defeats.

Granted, Los Canaleros are making only their second appearance at the World Cup, having previously featured at the 2018 tournament in Russia. However, they have been competitive in continental and regional competitions, finishing runners-up at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League.

In a clear indication that they have no intention of merely making up the numbers at the World Cup, Panama narrowly lost 1–0 to Mexico – Bafana's opening opponents at the World Cup – in a recent friendly. Reports described the match as a tightly contested affair, with both sides leaving everything on the pitch.

It was further reported that Mexico agreed to the friendly, believing Panama’s style closely resembles that of South Africa, particularly in their emphasis on possession-based football and the use of width to exploit defenders on the break.

Given all this, Bafana’s decision to face Panama appears driven by a desire to absorb lessons learned from the World Cup co-hosts, especially with their tournament opener against Mexico scheduled for June 11 at the Estadio Azteca set to be a repeat of their 2010 meeting on South African soil.

Bafana have every reason to be fully prepared for the opening match, which is likely to set the tone for the rest of the group stage. They will also face South Korea, ranked 11 places above Panama, as well as the winners of the March play-offs between Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, and North Macedonia.

A positive group-stage campaign could steer the team toward their first-ever appearance in the knockout rounds – an achievement that would serve as a fitting, record-breaking farewell for Broos following the World Cup.

The Belgian coach has done immense work for South African football, guiding the national team from the brink to becoming one of Africa’s competitive forces, largely with a domestic-based squad.

A return to Mexico will also mark a personal homecoming for the silver-haired Broos. It was there that he played his first – and only – World Cup in 1986, adding extra motivation for what he hopes will be a perfect final chapter.

Naturally, Broos will want his side fully rehearsed for the spectacle, especially after losing momentum at AFCON. And perhaps there could be no better opponents than Panama to accurately gauge Bafana’s readiness for the global showpiece.