Ronwen Williams Reflects on Bafana Bafana Journey and AFCON Experience
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams says the thrill of being called up to the national team has never faded, despite his extensive experience. The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper is the only member of South Africa’s 2019 AFCON squad still active and one of eight players from the 2023 edition.
Williams made his Bafana Bafana debut in 2014 under former coach Gordon Igesund. Over more than a decade, he has grown into a key figure both on and off the field, embracing leadership responsibilities while maintaining the excitement of a young player.
“It’s amazing. I’ve been part of the Bafana setup for so long. And yet it still feels so special. Every time there’s a squad announcement, I’m still watching it on TV. I don’t take it for granted that I’m the captain or performing. For me it’s still an honour,” Williams said.
The 33-year-old described representing South Africa as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. He is mindful that not all players achieve this milestone and is committed to making the most of his time with the team.
Williams has also focused on guiding younger players, sharing lessons from previous AFCON campaigns. “AFCON is a very, very difficult tournament. Last time it was myself and Themba Zwane who shared our experiences. Now the guys who were in the previous AFCON are doing that on my behalf, sharing their experiences, and that’s amazing,” he explained.
He highlighted the team’s cohesion and form as key advantages going into AFCON 2025. “We know each other very well. We play against each other week in, week out. The team spirit, the camaraderie, most of the players are in good form,” Williams said.
Williams acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that no match at AFCON will be easy. “There’s no game that will be easy. But for us, we enjoy it. We thrive in high-pressure moments, and that’s when we get the best out of ourselves,” he concluded. Williams’ leadership and experience are central to Bafana Bafana’s preparations as the squad looks to make a strong impact at AFCON 2025.
