Williams urges South Africa to maintain progress in Guinea qualifier

South Africa captain Ronwen Williams says Bafana Bafana must continue moving forward when they face Guinea in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.

South Africa welcome Guinea to the Orlando Amstel Arena this afternoon, with the result set to play an important part in their bid to qualify for the continental tournament.

Speaking to the media at the venue on Friday, goalkeeper Williams said the national team had made significant progress in recent years and could not afford to lose momentum.

The captain also described the squad as united behind the challenge, with players and coach sharing the same ambition for the team.

“It’s a continuation of what we built over the last few years. We can’t take steps back now. We’ve got high expectations as players. Definitely, the coach as well has high expectations,” Williams said.

“The relationship is good; it’s positive, and we are all looking forward to the same on what we can achieve. So, everything has been good, has been smooth. Everyone is aligned to the job at hand.”

Williams said that togetherness would need to be reflected in Bafana’s performance against Guinea as they seek to raise their standards further.

South Africa have established themselves as regular participants at the Africa Cup of Nations in recent years, but the captain believes qualification should no longer be viewed as uncertain.

“We don’t want to go back. We have come a long way; we have climbed the ladder. But it’s now time to take it even further,” he added.

“There are more steps that need to be climbed, and that’s exactly what the coach has emphasised this week: can we be a bit better? Can we achieve more?

“That’s the word, the energy and the spirit in camp right now. We want to do more, and at this moment it’s qualifying for AFCON.”

Williams said the team’s improved consistency meant reaching the finals should now be regarded as a normal expectation for Bafana Bafana.

“It shouldn’t be a question mark anymore; it should be second nature that Bafana Bafana qualify,” he said.

“We have done it over the last few years; we have turned the corner. So, now there shouldn’t be any doubts. We have to set our targets very high, and that’s exactly what we have done as a team.”

The focus now turns to Guinea, with South Africa aiming to convert the unity and determination in camp into a result that strengthens their route to Africa Cup of Nations qualification.