Ronwen Williams hoping ‘football gods’ will be on Bafana Bafana’s side for Rwanda clash

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams says he is hoping for a touch of divine intervention as South Africa prepares for a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The venue holds bittersweet memories for South African fans, as it was where Bafana famously celebrated in 2012, thinking they had qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, only to later discover they hadn’t. Williams believes this match presents a chance to “rewrite history” at the same ground.

“Maybe now it’s time to right our wrongs from so many years ago because people still mention that,” he told the media on Monday.

The goalkeeper added, “That is something that sits with Bafana Bafana and will probably be there forever. So hopefully tomorrow we can rewrite the script.”

South Africa’s qualification hopes hang in the balance. Nothing less than a win will keep them in contention, but even that may not be enough.

For Bafana to advance, Nigeria must beat Benin, while a draw between Benin and Nigeria would require South Africa to beat Rwanda by at least two goals.

Aware of these dynamics, Williams is hoping the ‘football gods’ will be on the side of Rwanda on the matchday.

“I believe in fairy tales. Tomorrow we go again. Calculators will be out at Mbombela, so hopefully things can go in our favour. Hopefully the football gods will be on our side, and tomorrow we’ll all be dancing — maybe even doing that same dance they did back then,” Williams said with a smile.