Williams demands winning start for South Africa in Guinea qualifier

South Africa captain Ronwen Williams says Bafana Bafana must begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with victory when they face Guinea at Orlando Stadium today.

The match also represents the start of Pitso Mosimane’s tenure as head coach, following his appointment last month in place of Hugo Broos.

With co-hosts Kenya also drawn in Group D, only one other side will qualify from the section. Williams believes that makes collecting three points at home essential as South Africa begin their campaign.

“​​Yes, we know how important it is, especially the qualifiers, to collect maximum points at home – you never know what you’re going to get on the other side. We know the conditions and the travelling,” Williams said.

“There is a lot at stake at this level, so we control what we can, and that’s your home ground advantage: our supporters. When we play at home, we see a different team – you see the energy, and you feel the love from the supporters.

“So we know how important it is to get those first three points on the board. You also check the group and see who is in your group, and you see who will be your direct rivals.”

Mosimane takes charge after a successful five-year spell under Broos, who guided Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast and secured their place at the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the knockout stage for the first game.

Williams said the squad must build on that progress and raise its standards under the new manager.

The mood in the Bafana camp at eSgodini was also lifted by Amajita’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Zambia in Maputo, Mozambique, on Wednesday.

Raymond Mdaka’s side recovered from a goal down to reach the final and qualify for next year’s AFCON U20 tournament in Ghana. Emile Witbooi attracted particular attention after scoring a solo goal late in the match.

Williams was full of praise for the Cape Town City youngster and the wider generation of Amajita players.

The progress made by South Africa at the World Cup has also helped create opportunities for domestic players to move abroad. Relebohile Mofokeng and Thapelo Maseko are among those in the current camp who have benefited from that pathway.

Williams said the developments represented an exciting period for South African football.