Bafana captain reveals difficulties of playing on African continent
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has revealed the difficulties of playing on the African continent after qualifying for the 2023 AFCON tournament.
The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper is talking from experience as he made his debut for Bafana back in March 2014.
To add to that, the talented goalie has been participating in CAF interclub competitions with Bafana Ba Style. So, he’s well aware of all the challenges.
Williams has played over 30 games for South Africa and has taken over the number-one jersey for the national team.
The 31-year-old goal-minder was speaking at OR Tambo as Bafana arrived after qualifying for the AFCON finals.
Hugo Broos’s charges beat Liberia 2-1 to secure a spot at the next edition of the continental tournament.
The 2023 AFCON tournament is due to be held in Ivory Coast in January next year.
CHALLENGES OF PLAY ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT
“It’s a massive challenge. We know that playing on the African continent comes with many challenges,” Williams told the media.
“Not only the fields, but the conditions, traveling, and how long it takes to get to the stadium as well. But you know that’s how characters are built.
The ex-SuperSport United skipper went on to recall what he told his teammates when they lost to Ghana two years in relation to the difficulties of playing on the African continent.
“I told the guys before when we lost to Ghana two years ago that, I’m glad that we lost this game because it had to happen so that all these youngsters know the taste of what is to come on the African continent,” he added.
“Now, they have gained valuable experience. But in saying that, it was very tough [playing Liberia in their backyard] especially playing on such an artificial field.
“However, it was one of the better ones we have played on before.”
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