From the sidelines to starring in the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams is making it impossible for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to ignore him.
Image: Backpagepix
Preparations for the upcoming Fifa World Cup are gathering pace, and with coach Hugo Broos naming a 38-man preliminary squad for a two-legged international friendly against Panama later this month, reality is beginning to sink in for players aiming to make the final roster for the global showpiece.
The squad largely consists of players who have been part of the national setup over the past few years. While competition for places remains fierce, a few spots are still up for grabs.
Notable absentees from the preliminary squad include Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule, Elias Mokwana and Bathusi Aubaas, while former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana misses out due to injury.
The friendlies are scheduled for Durban on March 27 and Cape Town on March 31, offering players one of their last chances to impress Broos ahead of his final squad selection.
Some positions look settled, but several players will be fighting hard to book their tickets to the United States, Canada, and Mexico later this year. Here, we look at the five players looking to make an impression in the next few weeks
The former Stellenbosch FC midfielder has been in impressive form since the season resumed after the Africa Cup of Nations break.
Adams struggled earlier in the campaign and lost his place in the team, but he has rediscovered his rhythm in 2026. His addition into the preliminary squad reflects the improvements he has made and could see him peaking at just the right time.
He will be hoping to make the final squad and take part in the two friendlies and show what he can offer to the national team once again.
Mamelodi Sundowns' Themba Zwane in action against Orlando Pirates.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Zwane has arguably been the standout performer in the central to attacking midfield role for Broos, and his absence has been noticably felt whenever he is unavailable.
Injuries have hampered him in recent seasons, but with an opportunity to reclaim his spot, he could provide the element the national team has been missing. If he maintains consistent game time with Mamelodi Sundowns, he could secure his place on the plane to the World Cup.
Maswanganyi has experienced a mixed season but has recently produced some of his best performances, regaining favour with his Orlando Pirates side and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The skillful attacker has been influential in creating chances and scoring goals, which could give him the edge as he looks to earn a place back in the national team.
Whenever called upon, Thapelo Morena has consistently delivered, which is why Broos often backs him.
While his place is not always guaranteed, his experience and versatility on the right-hand side could prove decisive. Morena will rely on these qualities over the next few weeks to demonstrate why he remains an important option for the national team.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Iqraam Rayners. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Rayners comes into this squad after being overlooked for the Africa Cup of Nations, despite a strong season for Sundowns. Although Broos has shown preference for Lyle Foster as his primary striker and Evidence Makgopa as a support forward, Rayners needs to take positives from his recent form.
He has netted 12 goals in all competitions, including three in the last three matches, and will hope this momentum helps him force his way into Broos’ plans.
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch