Hugo Broos explains Mbokazi, Hlongwane decision for Durban friendly

Mbokazi and Hlongwane, who turn out for Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union in the MLS respectively, travelled across multiple time zones to reach South Africa this week, with management of their load imperative to their physical health.  

Broos explained the seven-hour difference is a key factor and will look to field them instead in the second game in Cape Town next Tuesday. 

"I'm confident we are ready for the game of [today], and we'll see what happens. The only thing I can say about the team is that Hlongwane and Mbokazi will not play," he revealed.

"This is not tactical or because they are sick or injured, it's just a question of the trip they made from America to here, and also the jet lag – seven hours' difference, so those guys need a little bit more time to recover, but they will certainly be there for the second game."

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In facing Panama twice, Broos added they are going full steam in preparation for their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Mexico, who plays a similar style to the 33rd-ranked La Marea Roja.  

"Latin American football is something a little bit unknown [to Bafana], the only team that we know is Mexico. On the other side, I was surprised after seeing the games of Panama and their level," he added.

"When you also see the fact that they are 33rd in the world ranking at the moment, that means it's a good team, and it is a good team, but that was also for us the purpose of this game.

"Our first game in the World Cup is against Mexico, and I think you can compare Panama a little bit, or the other Central Amercan teams with Mexico – certainly the style of playing.

"So it was important for us to have this type of opponent, and if we can play against a team ranked 33rd – 30 places higher than us, that means we are playing against a good team.

"And it will be a good test for us to see where we are at this moment and what we still have to do in the next months for the game against Mexico."