Ronwen Williams fitness to be assessed before Bafana Bafana squad announcement

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams faces a fitness assessment before Mosimane names the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this week.

Williams has been sidelined by injury and was replaced by Ricardo Goss for Sundowns’ past two matches, against Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup and Durban City in the Betway Premiership.

Bafana Bafana are due to face Kenya in back-to-back qualifying matches. If Williams is not fit enough to be selected, Sipho Chaine or Goss could take over as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Goss has recently been given the opportunity at club level, while Chaine has been in strong form for Orlando Pirates apart from the mistake he made in the Soweto Derby at the weekend. The Pirates goalkeeper has conceded only two goals in nine Premiership appearances and would be expected to fill the vacancy if Williams is unavailable.

Should Williams miss out, Golden Arrows goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa is expected to be included as the squad’s third-choice goalkeeper. He was named in the preliminary group for the qualifiers and could now have the chance to join the senior national team if Williams does not recover in time.

Mosimane must also assess the fitness of another Sundowns player, midfielder Teboho Mokoena. Mokoena has not featured in recent matches for the Tshwane club, and his absence could lead to an international recall for Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe is also expected to return to the squad. He withdrew from the previous selection because of injury.

Bafana Bafana currently lead Group D of the AFCON qualifiers after victories over Guinea and Eritrea. Guinea are second in the group on three points.