Stellenbosch FC midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane has been named in South Africa’s preliminary squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Panama.

On Monday afternoon, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos announced an extended 37-man preliminary squad for the upcoming friendlies against Panama in Durban and Cape Town at the end of March. The matches will be used as preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup later this year.

Stellenbosch FC talisman Mthetheleli Mthiyane has been included in that number and could be in line to make his international debut against the North Americans should he be selected for the final squad.

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Mthiyane has been a mainstay in the heart of Stellies’ midfield this season, where he has already featured 30 times across all competitions since joining from Milford FC at the start of the campaign.

He is joined by several familiar faces, including former Stellies players Deano van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers), Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth), Jayden Adams, and Iqraam Rayners (both Mamelodi Sundowns).

South Africa will host Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, 27 March, for the first of two matches, with the second taking place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town four days later.