Ronwen Williams reveals how Hugo Broos revived Bafana Bafana 

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Ronwen Williams reveals how Hugo Broos revived Bafana Bafana 
Image - SAFA

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has shared some of the behind-the-scenes things that have changed within the national team.

South Africa have experienced an upturn in fortunes under veteran coach Hugo Broos, who has not only overseen a run of positive results but also restored discipline among the squad.

Williams says what sets the Belgian coach apart is that he leads from the front when results or performers drop which has set the bar so high for the players, leading to the impressive results.

Hugo Broos

How did Broos turn Bafana around?

“March, June, September and we conceded nine goals in five games and before the camp started, he said; ‘Look, I need to speak’. He does not like how things are going, we set the bar so high, now we have conceded nine goals in five games,” Williams said on Sports Arena.

“And he said no, it starts with him. And I was like I do not think I have ever had a coach say that, take responsibility.

“He said it started with him because all the hype and the wonderful things we achieved in AFCON, he relaxed and just allowed things to happen.

“That is just the belief. He always said like; ‘Guys I do not give call-ups for Mahala, when players come in, you deserve it. So show me that I was not wrong. Prove to me that I was not wrong’ and now, everyone that comes in wants to be in camp and I won’t lie it has not always been like that.”

Belgian boss living up to his promise

Hugo Broos and his Bafana Bafana players. Photo Imago

Under Broos, Bafana Bafana have qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished third, and also made it to the 2025 edition, before sealing a place at the 2026 World Cup and Williams says Broos laid the foundations a long time ago.

“And that has changed where players are playing on a Sunday night in Europe [and] they rush to jump on a flight to make sure they are there on a Monday,” he added.

“He believes in each one of us and he said in one of his first games; ‘I believe that we can get to the top, we can qualify for the AFCON and World Cup.”

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

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.

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