There has been a massive debate about the 21-year-old who has been playing either wide or centrally. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, questions have been asked about the best role for 'President ya ma 2k' as he is commonly referred to, since he can create and finish as his overall stats show.
The 48-year-old has been in charge of the East African state since March 2025, marking a year into his first role as a national team coach. He arrived in Nairobi fresh from a stint as Manchester United’s forwards coach. That pedigree raised expectations for him as he stepped into the international arena.
The Premier Soccer League clubs strengthened in the short January transfer window in their bid to realise their set objectives. While some players have settled and delivered for their respective teams, others have struggled to make an impact at their clubs.
There has been criticism of SAFA for choosing Central American opponents for the upcoming international friendlies. The backlash has also focused on the decision to face the same team twice instead of arranging matches against different opponents.
South Africa will take on Panama in two international friendly matches as they prepare themselves for the more demanding global tournament, where they are in what appears to be a tricky group. Their Belgian coach has confirmed what they intend to achieve at this competition.
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 24-year-old has been excellent for the defending Premier Soccer League champions this season after initial struggles. With the national team preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the former Stellenbosch player is seen as an individual who can help Mzansi deliver. However, he has to prove he is ready for that in international friendlies.
The attacker's impressive form has come at a critical time, especially for Orlando Pirates, who are chasing the Premier Soccer League title. For Bafana Bafana, the focus is currently on the upcoming friendlies, but in a few months, full energy will be directed to the World Cup finals. The youngster is expected to shine for the national team during the global showpiece.
The 20-year-old has been one of the youngsters who have made tremendous progress within a year of introduction to top-flight football by the then Sea Robbers coach Jose Riveiro. He is currently a key player for South Africa and hopes to be part of the 2026 World Cup squad in the next two months.
As the Soweto giants eye the league title, the 21-year-old is expected to be one of the vital figures in that mission. Despite his relatively young age, President Yama 2000 has contributed immensely to the campaign, playing impressively wherever he is deployed on the frontline.
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 centre-back has been having mixed reactions from football lovers in South Africa. The fans are divided about the quality of the 30-year-old, who has been a regular feature for the Soweto giants, especially after the exit of Mbekezeli Mbokazi to the Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire early in December.
The goalkeeping position in the national team will be up for grabs in the next couple of years. Top custodians in South Africa are now hoping to take over from the legendary Mamelodi Sundowns star, who has been consistent for Mzansi. The Belgian tactician has further explained the reasons for snubbing Amakhosi's shot-stopper.
The Belgian recently confirmed his squad for the forthcoming international friendly outing in Durban and Cape Town. The fixture against Panama will be massive for the technical team in their bid to get a strong team to represent the country and Africa at large. Mexico, Canada, and the United States will co-host the Global competition.
The 73-year-old has already begun mapping out South Africa's journey to the 2026 global tournament with a series of logistical demands aimed at giving his side the best chance of success. The Belgian tactician is leaving nothing to chance as he looks to avoid the pitfalls of heavy travel schedules and high-altitude exhaustion in North America.
South Africa are set for an international friendly game with the Canal Men in the next couple of days. The first game will be staged in Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, while the second one will be at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Some top names were omitted from the team as Hugo Broos named his squad to kickstart preparations for the global competition.
South Africa have begun their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be staged in North America. The former Cameroon coach has unveiled his squad for the friendly matches scheduled at the end of March. As expected, the tactician made some surprising selections, but he has moved to justify one of those decisions.
In what could infuriate the Amakhosi fan base again, the national team head coach has not named a single player from the club. However, the Sea Robbers enjoy a high representation, followed by their close Premier Soccer League rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns. Thembinkosi Lorch, who has enjoyed an impressive run, has not been called up again.
The versatile South African attacker has continued to deliver in North Africa. 'Nyoso', as he is commonly referred to, ditched Wydad Athletic Club for the Libyan outfit to help sharpen their attacking department. He has taken little time to settle into his new team, hoping to help them chase and achieve their targets for the season.
When the football association confirmed that South Africa will face the Central American side, questions were raised. Many wanted to see the national team face stronger sides, either from within Africa or from Europe. However, SAFA's decision to secure the friendly has continued to get support among known figures in the football circle.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) have officially confirmed the dates and locations for their upcoming double-header in the March international break, and fans now know exactly where they can cheer on Hugo Broos’ men as they fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming quadrennial global tournament.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre has unveiled his squad for January friendlies against Panama and Bolivia, with Richard Ledezma and Brian Gutiérrez among the standout names. With no European-based players available outside the FIFA window, the call-up leans entirely on Liga MX talent as El Tri begin a key pre-World Cup evaluation phase.
Thomas Tuchel believes England's 2026 World Cup draw is "tough" and claimed that the group stage is "always the most difficult". The German coach, who will lead the Three Lions into a major tournament for the first time next summer, stressed that Group L - featuring Croatia, Ghana and Panama - provides no margin for complacency.
The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.
Panama
