Hugo Broos confirms the one player who will definitely go to the 2026 World Cup if fit

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has confirmed Themba Zwane will go to the 2026 World Cup if he stays fit following an eye-catching display for an hour in the 1-1 friendly draw with Panama on Friday. 

Zwane played his first international since October 2024 after persistent injury issues at his club Mamelodi Sundowns, but Broos is ready to book his ticket despite this, a sign of how much he values the 36-year-old playmaker.

“He is such a good player,” said Broos. “He made us play better football. But I knew also that he’s not ready to play 90 minutes. And we have to take attention with him and be careful with him, not to overload him because when you overload him, he could have injuries, I’m sure of it. 

“So therefore, that was the reason why he came out after 55 minutes. We will see him next Tuesday (in Cape Town), he’ll recuperate. And if he recuperates, he will play again, because he needs that.“

Broos has also suggested that Zwane gets more game-time at Sundowns in the coming months, having been restricted to cameo roles since his return from long-term injury.

“I cannot decide about that, but I hope that he gets more playing time at Sundowns also because he needs that rhythm of the game. He needs those minutes to play,” Broos said.

“And we saw a few moments also in the game when he was a little bit too slow. And that the reason of that is because he doesn’t play enough.

“But again, if Themba stays like he is now, fit, no injuries, then even when he’s not ready for 90 minutes, he will be with us at the World Cup.” 

South Africa face Panama again in Cape Town on Tuesday.

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