Broos exit, doom for Bafana? Williams warns doubters: 'It’s now time to take it even further'

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams insists the team can only move forward despite the technical changes.

Pitso Mosimane was given the mandate to steer the national team following the exit of coach Hugo Broos. The 74-year-old helped South Africa to become a force to reckon with on the continent, despite winning nothing.

In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Mzansi finished third, before again qualifying for the 2025 edition but reached the knockout phase. His biggest achievement, arguably, was to help the country qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Evidence Makgopa, Bafana Bafana vs South Korea - Image: IMAGO — Evidence Makgopa, Bafana Bafana vs South Korea – Image: IMAGO

For the first time, Mzansi made it out of the group, but fell by a solitary goal to Canada in the Round of 32.

There have been questions raised about the ability of Mosimane to steer the team forward, but Williams insists they have already turned a corner. Furthermore, he has explained why Bafana Bafana have a chance of progressing post-Broos era.

Williams and Bafana Bafana determined to see progress

South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams keepers out an effort from Tajon Buchanan of Canada. Photo: Imago

“Obviously it’s a continuation of what we built over the last few years. We can’t take steps back now. We have got high expectations as players. Definitely the coach as well has high expectations. The relationship is good; it’s positive, and we are all looking forward to the same [regarding] what we can achieve,” Williams told the media.

“So, everything has been good, has been smooth. Everyone is aligned to the job at hand, and as I mentioned, we don’t want to go back. We have come a long way; we have climbed the ladder.

“But it’s now time to take it even further. There are more steps that need to be climbed, and that’s exactly what the coach has emphasised this week: can we be a bit better? Can we achieve more?

“That’s the word, the energy and the spirit in camp right now. We want to do more, and at this moment it’s qualifying for AFCON. It shouldn’t be a question mark anymore; it should be second nature that Bafana Bafana qualify.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi in action for Bafana Bafana against Canada. Image: Imago

“We have done it over the last few years; we have turned the corner. So, now there shouldn’t be any doubts. We have to set our targets very high, and that’s exactly what we have done as a team,” he concluded.