Williams urges Bafana Bafana to make home advantage count against Guinea

Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams says South Africa must take maximum points from their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Williams, one of coach Pitso Mosimane’s captains, said the team had learned from recent qualification campaigns that home victories are essential if they are to reach the tournament.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Williams said South Africa could not afford to overlook the value of playing in front of their own supporters.

“We know how important it is during qualifiers to collect maximum points at home because you never know what you are going to get on the other side,” said Williams.

“There is a lot at stake, and we know the conditions and travelling at this level. The most important thing for us is to control what we can, and that’s making use of our home ground advantage with our supporters.”

The goalkeeper believes the atmosphere at home can bring a different level of performance from the team, making a positive start against Guinea even more important.

“When we play at home, you see a different team. You see the energy and feel the love from the supporters. So, we know how important it is to get the first three points on the board,” he said.

Williams added that South Africa were also assessing the other teams in their group and identifying the opponents most likely to challenge them directly.

“You also check the group and see who will be your direct rivals.”

Guinea coach Paulo Duarte did not attend his pre-match press conference, an absence regarded as part of the psychological contest before the match. Williams, however, said South Africa were preparing for a difficult encounter regardless.

“We know that Guinea are not going to make it easy. If we can start on a positive note and get three points, that will be one less headache, and they will be on a minus.”

South Africa’s goalkeeper said the lessons gained over the past few years had reinforced the need to turn home fixtures into victories.

“We know how important it is, and the good thing is that we have picked up the experience over the past few years that you must win your home games.”

That message has been repeated within the Bafana Bafana camp during the build-up to the qualifier, with the squad determined to establish an early advantage.

“That’s the spirit that we have, and it is the talk that has been in and around the camp this week. We want to make sure that we win our home games; if we do that, we should be OK to qualify.”