Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained why defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane won’t play the first game against Panama.
South Africa are scheduled to face the North American side on Friday, 27 March at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kickoff set for 19:00 in Durban.
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The two sides will meet again in a second friendly on Tuesday, 31 March at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference at Mabhida Stadium, Broos explained that both Mbokazi and Hlongwane recently completed a long trip from the United States, and as a result, the technical team has decided to allow them additional recovery time.
He confirmed that the pair will instead be considered for selection in the second encounter next week.
“The only thing I can say about the team is that Hlongwane and Mbokazi will not play,” said Broos.
“This is not tactical, this is not because they are sick or injured. No, it’s just a question of the trip they made from America to here, and also the jetlag.
“Seven hours difference, so those guys need a little bit of time to recover. But they will be there certainly next week, Tuesday, for the second game.”
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