Williams’ Bafana Participation In World Cup Qualifiers In Doubt

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has raised concerns about whether Ronwen Williams will be included in the Bafana Bafana squad for their two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches this month.

The Portuguese coach, who expressed frustration with the standard of refereeing after his side’s draw with Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership match at Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday, emphasized that the final decision rests with South Africa’s national team coach, Hugo Broos.

Williams, the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season, has been sidelined since Sundowns’ upset loss to TS Galaxy last month.

Despite his absence, he was named in Broos’ preliminary squad, announced a few days ago, suggesting ongoing discussions between SAFA and Sundowns’ medical staff.

The South African national team captain has missed Sundowns’ last five matches, including Wednesday’s game in KwaZulu-Natal, where Denis Onyango started in goal.

Cardoso has recently favored Onyango and Jody February, who delivered an impressive performance in their victory over Kaizer Chiefs last weekend.

“It is a question for the national team coach,” Cardoso stated on Wednesday when questioned about Williams’ availability for the national team. “We are in communication and hope that he will return to playing for Mamelodi Sundowns as soon as possible.”

Sundowns are scheduled to face Sekhukhune United, who suffered a defeat to Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday, in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday (20:00). It remains uncertain whether Williams will be included in the squad.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana will resume their World Cup qualifying campaign against Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 21 March, followed by a match against Benin at a neutral venue in Ivory Coast on 25 March.