How Bafana Bafana can lineup against Nicaragua without Sundowns players
· The South African
Bafana Bafana will host Nicaragua in their FIFA World Cup send-off match at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, with head coach Hugo Broos expected to use the fixture to assess fringe players ahead of the tournament.
Broos is set to announce his final 26-man squad this week, with several players from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns expected to dominate the selection.
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With Sundowns only recently completing their CAF Champions League campaign on Sunday evening, a number of key players could be rested for the Nicaragua clash.
That could open the door for players such as Iqraam Rayners to feature prominently, while regular starters including Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena may be given time to recover ahead of the World Cup.
Predicted Bafana Bafana XI vs Nicaragua
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine / Brandon Petersen
Defence: Thabang Matuludi, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Bradley Cross
Midfield: Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha
Attack: Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster
The encounter is expected to give Broos a clearer picture of his squad depth before Bafana depart for the FIFA World Cup.
How to watch Bafana’s friendly against Nicaragua
The match will take place on Friday, 29 May 2026 at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.
Supporters will be able to watch the match live on SABC Sport and SuperSport channels.
The friendly against the Central Americans will be South Africa’s final match on home soil before Broos and his squad depart for Mexico for the FIFA World Cup.
Tickets for Bafana v Nicaragua available
Tickets for Friday’s encounter are available for R80 for adults and R40 for children under the age of 12.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.