Ronwen Williams backed to lead Bafana Bafana at AFCON with strong support

Bafana Bafana’s leadership and goalkeeping departments are in safe hands with Ronwen Williams, but the national team captain cannot do it alone. He needs support both on and off the pitch.

Williams has been South Africa’s standout performer in recent years. His displays between the sticks helped Bafana secure a third-place finish – their first in more than two decades – at the last Africa Cup of Nations, as well as recent qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

As captain, he has fostered a fighting spirit within the squad and ensured camaraderie among the players, who are not divided by club allegiances.

Heading into the AFCON finals in Morocco this month – where Bafana are drawn in Group B alongside Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe – Williams’ character and leadership will be tested.

AFCON-winning goalkeeper Andre Arendse, speaking during the team’s send-off party at FNB Stadium last week, backed Williams to continue thriving in both roles.

“You need leadership, there’s no question about that,” Arendse said.

“Yes, leadership starts with the technical team and how they want the team to play, but the coaches won’t be on the pitch. You need players who will take control.

"Ronwen has shown his leadership qualities not only through words but through his actions. We talk about his penalty saves – those are actions – and players latch onto that. Someone who leads through match performances is critical. You want to be part of a team led like that.”

While Williams will be the beacon of hope in the pursuit of a second continental crown in 30 years, Arendse urged the squad to provide support, echoing the example of the 1996 team.

“Looking at the Class of ’96, you had leaders across the pitch – Neil Tovey, Lucas Radebe, Phil Masinga. Ronwen needs that sort of help, and when that comes, I think we are going to conquer the world,” Arendse said.

Williams’ support in Morocco comes from the goalkeeping department, including assistant coach Grant Johnson and understudies Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss.

Some have questioned the selection of Goss as the third-choice goalkeeper, given his record of 11 goals conceded and six clean sheets in 14 league matches this season, compared with Brandon Petersen, who has 11 goals conceded and 11 clean sheets in 18 matches across all competitions.

Arendse, who worked with Goss at the now-defunct SuperSport United, defended the shot-stopper’s inclusion, stressing the importance of growth and determination.

“Selection will always be a matter of opinion, and that’s fair,” Arendse said.

“I have worked with Ricardo for a long time and know his capabilities. I’ve told him he is better than he is showing.

"There are times when you have to reflect, then come back stronger. Ronwen has set the bar very high – it’s up to the others, like Ricardo and Sipho, to get closer, and I think they can."