Broos: Why Panama friendlies are the perfect preparation for Mexico

BAFANA Bafana’s readiness for the upcoming Fifa World Cup, and specifically their opening clash against co-hosts Mexico, is set to be put to the test when they face Panama in back-to-back friendlies on home soil in the next few days.

- MIHLALI BALEKA.

Bafana will assemble for camp on Monday morning before moving to Durban where they will play the opening friendly at Moses Mabhida Stadium on March 27, before flying to Cape Town where they will host Panama at DHL Stadium on March 31.

Coach Hugo Broos has named a relatively strong squad for both matches, reinforcing the need to reinstall the team’s DNA, attitude, and discipline, which were lacking at Afcon, resulting in an unfavourable last-16 finish.

Given the magnitude of the World Cup, and Bafana’ desire to make a strong comeback after a 16-year absence, many imagined that Safa would organise stronger opposition for Bafana to test themselves against prior to the tournament instead of Panama.

But Broos, speaking to the media after announcing his squad at the SABC studios in Johannesburg a few days ago, revealed why he is pleased to prepare for the global showpiece with matches against Panama.