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While the current focus is on the next friendly against Panama, Bafana's eyes are fixed on the upcoming big assignment. The players will not only be representing the country but will also be carrying the continental aspirations, as they are among the African countries set to play in the global bonanza. That means the 1996 AFCON champions must make their supporters proud by staging an impressive campaign.

The friendly games are part of South Africa's preparations for the upcoming World Cup finals. After a disappointing outing in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Hugo Broos' men hope to have a far better campaign in the global showpiece to make the nation proud. Although some felt that their Friday opponent are a low-profile opponent for the National Team, the Central Americans claimed a draw in the first encounter.

The Buccaneer was part of the squad that represented the country in the Africa Cup of Nations, although he did not play. He was also included in the preliminary team that was named before Hugo Broos trimmed it to 23 players ahead of the Panama friendlies. His omission has raised questions on whether the coach has lost trust in him and if he will be considered for a place in the World Cup line-up.

The Masandawana star has been an undisputed number one choice under Hugo Broos. After a generally underwhelming campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, eyes will be keen to see whether the Belgian will go for another goalkeeper. Apart from Williams, other custodians have had an impressive run in the season so far, expecting to attract the Belgians' attention.

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When Panama were confirmed as South Africa's opponents during the international break, questions were asked whether the Central Americans would give Bafana Bafana the right test. However, the national team coach has explained the financial constraints that South Africa would have faced if they were to welcome top-ranking nations for the friendlies.

The spotlight again is on the Belgian tactician since he named his final squad to take on Panama during the international break. The raging debate is who should have been called up and who should have been left out. The games lined up later this month are expected to give the 73-year-old a glimpse of how fit his players are before the World Cup finals.

The Masandawana star is starting to play week in and week out again after he was sidelined by a lengthy injury before. The few minutes he has been given by the Downs' technical bench saw the attacking midfielder return to the national team fold. The big concern now is whether the 36-year-old will be fit beyond the season and play in the World Cup finals.

The former Cape Town City attacker has previously played under the Belgian coach when he featured for South Africa in September 2021 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. But despite the good form he has been enjoying this season, the 27-year-old is being ignored as he comes in with versatility, offering back-up as a left attacking player or left-back.

As the West Africans prepare to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, South Africa has promised legal support. Senegal are facing the daunting task of maintaining their status as African champions after their win against Morocco was annulled. The CAF decision to strip Teranga Lions of the trophy came two months after the final was played in Rabat.