We want to make Amapiano guys happy – Ronwen Williams

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We want to make Amapiano guys happy – Ronwen Williams

There’s a new rhythm pulsing through the Bafana Bafana camp, and it’s not just the sound of boots on turf or tactical drills echoing across training grounds. It’s the beat of belief, the groove of growth, and the unmistakable energy of a team ready to change the narrative.

As South Africa prepares to face Nigeria once again, one sentiment stands out: “Hopefully tomorrow we can show them that there is a new leaf of Bafana Bafana — and that Amapiano guys can be happy.”

For years, Nigeria has held the upper hand in this storied rivalry. The head-to-head record leans heavily in favour of the Super Eagles, with South Africa often falling short despite flashes of promise. But the tide may be turning.

“We haven’t beaten them in a long time,” admitted skipper Williams.

 “Yes, we’ve had positive results. I mean, going away to Nigeria last year, it’s so difficult. And to come out with a good result, playing the way we are playing, we know for sure we are growing as a team.”

That growth was evident at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Bafana Bafana pushed Nigeria to the brink in a tense semi-final clash. It was a performance that earned respect across the continent and signaled that South Africa is a team competing for big things

The Numbers Behind the Narrative

Last 10 meetings: Nigeria have won 5, South Africa 2, with 3 draws.

AFCON 2023 Semi-final: Nigeria 1–1 South Africa (Nigeria won on penalties)

Last win for South Africa vs Nigeria: June 2017 (2–0 in Uyo, AFCON qualifier)

Current FIFA Rankings: Nigeria – 30th, South Africa – 58th

Despite the historical imbalance, Bafana’s recent performances have injected fresh optimism. The squad is younger, more dynamic, and tactically sharper under coach Hugo Broos. The players speak of unity, of a shared mission, and of a desire to make South Africans, especially the youth proud.

Amapiano Energy

The reference to Amapiano, South Africa’s globally celebrated music genre, is more than just cultural flair. It’s symbolic of a generation that’s bold, expressive, and unapologetically confident. Just as Amapiano has taken over dance floors from Soweto to Seoul, Bafana Bafana hopes to take over the pitch with flair, rhythm, and results.

“Hopefully  we can go a step further and change the narrative. We’re getting closer and closer to beating them. We all saw it at AFCON, and we saw it when we played them away in Nigeria” added the Bafana skipper.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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