‘Amazing’ for Williams to lead Bafana Bafana
THE elder statesmen in the Bafana Bafana squad, Ronwen Williams and Percy Tau, have been handed the leadership reins to usher in a new era in South African football under the tutelage of Belgian Hugo Broos.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper Williams will don the captain’s armband. He replaces Thulani Hlatshwayo, who has fallen out of favour with the new Bafana leadership.
Williams follows in the footsteps of goalkeepers like Senzo Meyiwa and Itumeleng Khune, who have captained South Africa in the past decade.
The 19-time-capped Williams has spent many seasons in the shadow of Khune, who has 91 caps for the national team.
Williams, who spent part of his youth career at Tottenham Hotspur, made his Bafana debut in March 2014 against Brazil.
“It is an amazing feeling, but at the same time, I am honoured to be part of this national squad,” said Williams.
“It is every player’s dream to play for the national team.
“The captaincy comes with lots of responsibilities, but it is something that I have done before. There is a reason why I was selected.
“One of my roles will be to pass on messages from the coach, and make sure the team sticks to the game plan.
“I must guard against the team being side-tracked when there are issues that distract players. We have to stick to the structures, game plan and stay focused.”
Midfielder Tau, who has 30
Bafana caps, has been hogging the limelight in recent days.
His well-documented move from English Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion to Egypt’s Al Ahly saw him reunited with former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane.
Tau has spent the last three years in Europe, where he was on loan spells. He told the media yesterday that he was glad he finally has a settled situation.
“During the transfer window periods, many things happen, but I’m glad it is all over now,” said Tau.
“I’m very happy with the way things have gone of late, and I am happy to be part of this team (Bafana).
“I’m looking forward to the (2022 World Cup) qualifiers. We want to do better than the previous squad (who did not reach the 2022 Afcon finals).
“This is a new team, and there are exciting times ahead. I am in a good space. I just want to play the game and help to make sure we don’t lose.
“It is always an honour to play for South Africa. You (the team) do not always get the results you deserve, and we saw that happen in Sudan a few months ago.”
SA last played at a World Cup in 2010, when Mzansi hosted the global showpiece. Since then, the squad have failed to qualify.
SA will be campaigning in Group G of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. They are up against Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and favourites Ghana.
Only the group winners will advance through to the next round of the qualifiers.
After Friday’s showdown against Zimbabwe in Harare, SA will take on Ghana in Johannesburg on Monday.