Bafana had to come from behind on two occasions in back-to-back World Cup warm-up friendlies against Panama, as they drew 1-1 in the first game, courtesy of an equaliser by Oswin Appollis.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi's leveller in the second encounter on Tuesday, a thunderbolt from outside the box, however, was not enough to salvage another draw, as Bafana seemed to have paid the price of making too many changes in the second stanza, including goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner replacing Ronwen Williams, as Jiovany Ramos got a late winner for The Canal Men.

Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Lekoelea believes it's too late for South Africa head coach Hugo Broos to experiment.

"What confused me is that Hugo Broos changed the scheme because he wants to give other players a chance to see them but it's too late for that because it's just three months before the World Cup starts," Lekoelea told the publication.

"For example, why is Sipho Chaine not there? He's the number two goalkeeper; he's supposed to be there and prepare his mind for the World Cup. If you take him out, what are you doing to his confidence? So, I think that's the problem, of changing the selections and scheme."

The former Pirates ace was sceptical about whether Bafana are ready for the global showpiece that they will open against Mexico on 11 June.

"Are we ready for the World Cup? The stage is too high there, the games will be more difficult, the players must change the gear now to number five, if they want to go to the second round, they have to focus now," Lekoelea continued

"The fighting spirit has to be there, that's the problem and he (Broos) must know his starting eleven, because it's too late now.

He must have the 11 that he trusts and reserves. This thing of changing players, it looks like he's not sure about his starting 11," the Bafana legend added.

Hugo Broos: Bafana are in a very tricky World Cup qualifying group