Broos targets strong World Cup return as Bafana Bafana prepare with Panama friendlies
Hugo Broos has made it clear that everything Bafana Bafana do from now on is geared towards one objective, making a meaningful impact at the FIFA World Cup, as South Africa look ahead to their first appearance on the global stage since 2002 in Korea and Japan.
They featured in the 2010 instalment of the tournament, though their qualification came by virtue of them being the host nation.
Speaking ahead of the international friendlies against Panama national team, Broos outlined the thinking behind the fixtures, stressing that preparation, not results, is the priority at this stage.
“I know that at the moment Panama was announced as our opponent for two games in March that some people were asking Panama, why Panama?” Broos said.
“Well, Panama is ranked 30 places higher than we are. That means something. Secondly, it’s a Central American country, same style of playing like Mexico, our first opponent at the World Cup.”
With Mexico, South Korea and The playoff winner from Denmark/North Macedonia/ Czech /Ireland who will claim the final spot, awaiting in the group stages, Broos believes the Panama clashes will offer valuable tactical insight into what Bafana can expect.
“I think it was the right choice. It will teach us a lot about the Central American style of playing football.”
While results will always matter, Broos was honest about where his priorities lie, insisting that learning and adaptation are more important than the scoreline.
“The result is not that important, even if it is important. I don’t want big defeats, but to be defeated is nothing. We have to learn.”
More concerning for the Belgian mentor, however, is the dip in standards he feels the team showed during their recent TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 campaign, something he is determined to correct ahead of the World Cup.
“I want to see again a Bafana Bafana like we have seen in the past three years. That was something we lost during AFCON and we have to reinstall that.”
Looking further ahead, the veteran coach admitted that the upcoming World Cup could mark the final chapter of his career, but his focus remains firmly on delivering a memorable tournament for South Africa.
“I’m not thinking about the end. Not at all. I’m thinking about how we can do a better World Cup than we did a few months ago in Morocco.”
With a challenging group ahead, the coach remains cautiously optimistic, pointing to the possibility of progression through the expanded tournament format.
“We have to believe. It’s a tough group, but that third place can help us a lot to survive the group stages.”
For a nation that has waited over two decades to return to football’s biggest stage, the message from Broos is clear, preparation starts now, and belief will be key.