Williams warns South Africa to avoid another Afcon qualifying nightmare

South Africa captain Ronwen Williams says Bafana Bafana are determined not to repeat the mistakes that contributed to their infamous “Dance of Shame” during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

South Africa currently lead Group D with six points from two matches, but the presence of co-hosts Kenya means the qualification calculations are unusually demanding. Only one non-host nation from the group – South Africa, Guinea or Eritrea – can qualify for the tournament.

That team must either win the group or finish behind Kenya as runners-up when the campaign concludes in March next year, after the penultimate and final rounds of matches.

Bafana were eliminated 14 years ago after failing to understand the qualification rules. They drew 0-0 with Sierra Leone in their final qualifier, believing goal difference would determine their position if teams finished level on points.

However, head-to-head results were used as the deciding factor. The aftermath was made worse when Itumeleng Khune, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Andile Jali were among the players who celebrated with a jubilant dance, later labelled the “Dance of Shame”.

Williams says the players have been reminded of that experience as they prepare to face Kenya twice in the current international window. South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane, who was in charge during the 2012 campaign, has also ensured the squad understands the implications of having the Harambee Stars in their section.

“Yes, definitely. Most players, and everyone knows. The coach has made mention of it,” Williams said.

“We’ve had our history where we didn’t know the rules, or something like that. We don’t want to put ourselves in that situation again.

“We know that we have Kenya in our group, so come the last two games in March, everyone is going to go for it, but the main one is now. If we get six points now, you guys (the media) can start packing your bags already. We’d have one foot in.”

South Africa host Kenya at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday night at 6 pm, before the return fixture takes place in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Williams is pleased with Bafana’s perfect start, but believes the team must improve further if it is to strengthen its position before the decisive matches in March.

“We are excited that we started [well], we now need to just maintain it. Can we be better (than the last games)? The coach has asked us just to even be 5% better as a team; that will show that we are on the right track, and there’s room for improvement,” he said.

“Even the last camp was amazing, we bagged three wonderful victories. But the coach is asking for more. It’s scary what this team can do in the next few months, starting tomorrow.”