Williams Cherishes Bafana Leadership Role Ahead Of AFCON Showpiece
As one of the elder statesmen in the squad, Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams says being part of the national team for such a long time is something he does not take for granted.
As Bafana Bafana head to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Williams is the only player in the current squad who also featured at the 2019 tournament in Egypt, where South Africa were knocked out by Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria once again ended Bafana Bafana’s AFCON campaign in 2024, this time in the semi-finals, with South Africa losing on penalties. However, the team did not return home empty-handed, as they defeated DR Congo on penalties to secure the bronze medal.
Players retained from last year’s tournament in the current squad include Ricardo Goss, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, Teboho Mokoena, and Sphephelo Sithole.
“You are making me feel old now,” joked Williams, whom coach Hugo Broos appointed captain shortly after taking over in May 2021.
“It’s amazing. I’ve been part of Bafana Bafana for so long, yet it still feels special. Every time the squad is announced, I still find myself watching it on TV.
“I don’t take it for granted that I’m the captain. For me, it’s still an honour, and I will always treat it that way because this was a dream of mine. Not everyone gets to live their dream, and I’m fortunate to be living mine.”
Bafana Bafana, who last lifted the AFCON trophy in 1996 and finished runners-up in 1998 after losing the final to Egypt in Burkina Faso, will open their Group B campaign against Angola on 21 December in Marrakech.
They will then face Egypt on Boxing Day in Agadir, before concluding their group-stage matches against neighbours Zimbabwe on 29 December, once again in Marrakech.
“I’ll make the most of it for as long as I can. It’s still amazing to be here and to be part of the setup,” added Williams, who was named CAF Goalkeeper of the Tournament at last year’s competition in Côte d’Ivoire.
“Obviously, I use my experience to help the boys and remind them that AFCON is a very, very difficult tournament.
“The previous campaign was tough. Themba Zwane and I shared our experiences with the group and explained just how demanding it is. It’s not something you experience every day.
“Now, the players who were part of the last AFCON are doing the same — sharing those experiences with the new guys — and that’s great to see.”
