THE March friendlies against Panama for Bafana Bafana could well prove to be a masterstroke as the South Africans need to recharge their confidence. 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. 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. 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.
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