“I think the only surprise is that Themba is in the team, I think when he’s with us we have to let him play and we’ll see how far he is at the moment,” said Hugo Broos, head coach of Bafana Bafana, regarding the selection of Themba Zwane for the upcoming international friendly against Panama.
Zwane, who is 36 years old, has made 52 appearances for the senior national team, scoring 12 goals and providing 3 assists. His inclusion in the squad comes as he has not been starting regularly for Mamelodi Sundowns since returning from injury.
In the friendly match held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 against Panama. Edgar Barcenas opened the scoring for Panama in the 23rd minute, putting pressure on the South African side.
However, Oswin Appollis equalized for Bafana Bafana just three minutes after halftime, showcasing the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Broos emphasized the importance of assessing Zwane’s current physical condition, stating, “There’s still a game in June, but we don’t have so many games to let him play, so it’s important to know where he is physically, technically, football, we know there’s no problem but physically.” This highlights the coach’s concern about the player’s fitness as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite Zwane’s experience and contributions to the team, some critics have raised concerns about his current form. One commentator remarked, “For Themba Zwane, legs are gone, and old age has peaked so badly,” reflecting the skepticism surrounding his selection.
As Bafana Bafana continues to prepare for future competitions, the evaluation of players like Zwane will be crucial in determining the team’s strategy and effectiveness on the field.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the team’s lineup for the next match, but the coaching staff is focused on ensuring that all players are in optimal condition.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, every friendly match serves as an opportunity for the team to refine their skills and assess player readiness.
As the team moves forward, the performance of Zwane and others will be closely monitored to ensure that Bafana Bafana is competitive on the world stage.
