Bafana Bafana’s astute captain, Ronwen Williams, is setting ambitious goals for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, expressing his aspiration to surpass their 2019 quarter-final finish and secure a spot in the coveted semi-finals.
Williams, a stalwart figure in the South African football landscape, played a pivotal role in their AFCON 2019 campaign, featuring in four of the five matches that propelled them to the quarter-finals. Unfortunately, their journey came to an end with a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria.
Following a hiatus from AFCON 2021 due to unsuccessful qualification, the appointment of Hugo Broos as the head coach ushered in a period of transformation for the national team.
Broos, having overcome initial challenges in squad consistency, has successfully steered Bafana Bafana back to the African football spectacle in Ivory Coast.
Williams, who has been a cornerstone of the team, believes that progress has been made under Broos’ leadership. Expressing optimism, he emphasized the importance of aiming high while maintaining a realistic perspective.
“We haven’t been part of the tournament for a very long time. But I’m very happy to be part of this wonderful group we have now.
We have done extremely good work over the last two years or so,” remarked the 31-year-old goalkeeper in an interview with SAFA media.
As the experienced campaigner in the squad, Williams is eager to share his AFCON insights with both seasoned players and newcomers, emphasizing the mental fortitude required for the demanding tournament schedule.
“We have learnt valuable lessons over the last few years. It’s just for myself or the players that were there for the previous AFCON to just share our experiences because it does get tough having to play every three to four days. It’s not easy,” he explained.
Bafana Bafana’s journey in AFCON 2023 holds promise, fueled by the collective experience and determination encapsulated by Ronwen Williams’ leadership on the pitch.
The aspiration to reach the semi-finals reflects their commitment to making a significant impact on the continental stage.
