Watch VideoFive Bafana Bafana players fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive

From the sidelines to starring in the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams is making it impossible for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to ignore him. Preparations for the upcomingFifa World Cupare gathering pace, and with coachHugo Broosnaming a38-man preliminary squadfor a two-legged international friendly againstPanamalater this month, reality is beginning to sink in for players aiming to make the final roster for the global showpiece. naming a38-man preliminary squadfor a two-legged international friendly against later this month, reality is beginning to sink in for players aiming to make the final roster for the global showpiece.

The squad largely consists of players who have been part of the national setup over the past few years. While competition for places remains fierce, a few spots are still up for grabs. Notable absentees from the preliminary squad includeOrlando PiratesmidfielderSipho Mbule, Elias Mokwana and Bathusi Aubaas, while formerKaizer ChiefsdefenderSiyabonga Ngezanamisses out due to injury.

Notable absentees from the preliminary squad include The friendlies are scheduled forDurban on March 27andCape Town on March 31, offering players one of their last chances to impress Broos ahead of his final squad selection. , offering players one of their last chances to impress Broos ahead of his final squad selection. Some positions look settled, but several players will be fighting hard to book their tickets to the United States, Canada, and Mexico later this year. Here, we look at the five players looking to make an impression in the next few weeks The formerStellenbosch FCmidfielder has been in impressive form since the season resumed after the Africa Cup of Nations break.