‘Best decision I ever made’ – Hugo Broos hails Ronwen Williams’ quality & leadership

Published on by Joel Oliver

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained how captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has boosted his side.

Williams was back when South Africa thrashed Congo 5-0 in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday after missing last month’s matches against Uganda and South Sudan.

In his absence, AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa started in goal but made errors that contributed to a 2-2 draw with Uganda before Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine replaced him for the 3-2 win away to South Sudan.

Broos happy Williams is giving his defence confidence

However, with Williams making a full recovery from an injury that kept him out of the September matches, he started the match against Congo in Gqeberha and Broos is happy that the defence can now play with confidence, knowing the Ballon d’Or nominee is in goal.

“What a keeper, and I said it before, when I took the decision to make him captain, I think that is one of the best decisions I made in South Africa,” said Broos.

“We missed him against Uganda and South Sudan and I don’t want to say that the two other keepers did not do well but Ronwen is Ronwen and he gives confidence to the guys who are in front of him and the whole of the team.”

How Bafana Bafana could line up against Congo?
BOUAKE, COTE D IVOiRE – FEBRUARY 6 Coach Hugo Broos and Ronwen Hayden Williams of South Africa during the TotalEnergies Caf Africa Cup of Nations Afcon 2023 press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz in preperation for Nigeria and South Africa at Stade de la Paix on February 6, 2024 in Bouake, Cote d Ivore. Photo by Ganiyu Yusuf Copyright: xx

Ballon d’Or nominee hailed for his ability on the ball

The veteran tactician is also thrilled with the ball-playing abilities of the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper as he acts as an extra weapon in attack for his side.

“He is also a guy with a few passes. He can put the ball in front of the opposition’s goal with his good passing so he is very important for us,” added Broos.

Bafana Bafana will take on Congo in Brazzaville in the return match on Monday when another win will take them to 10 points and all but secure their place in next year’s tournament in Morocco. 

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.