Ronwen Williams: Mamelodi Sundowns Star Talks Tough Ahead of Bafana Bafana vs Rwanda Clash

• Ronwen Williams has shared his thoughts ahead of South Africa's crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Tuesday
• The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was in goal when Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw by their neighbour Zimbabwe on Friday evening
• The South African shotstopper admitted how difficult it is to qualify for the Mundial next year, but he's optimistic ahead of Rwanda's clash

Bafana Bafana captain and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams insists the team still firmly believes they can qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their recent setback in the qualifiers.

Bafana Bafana's chances of qualifying for the global football competition suffered a major blow on Friday, October 10, 2025, after they were held to a draw by Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and also docked three points by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player earlier in the qualifying series.

The disappointing result leaves Hugo Broos' side two points behind leaders, the Benin Republic, in Group C, and one point ahead of bitter rivals Nigeria, with just one match remaining in the qualifiers.

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The nation that tops the group is guaranteed an automatic spot at next year’s global showpiece, set to be hosted by three North American countries: the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.

Williams on Bafana Bafana’s chances

After the goalless draw with the Warriors, Williams admitted that morale was a bit down and that they had made things more difficult for themselves in the qualifying phase.

He added that while the players' effort and desire couldn’t be faulted, they left it all on the pitch and thanked the fans for their support.

Despite the doubts now surrounding their chances, the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper remained optimistic, just like Broos, who also believes they will qualify, stating that just a month ago everything seemed clear, and they still believe in fairytales and feel that everything is working in their favour.

How Bafana can qualify for the World Cup

Bafana Bafana will play host to Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, October 14, while group leaders Benin travel to face Nigeria on the same day.

Should Benin secure victory in Abuja, South Africa’s hopes of finishing top of Group C and earning automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be over, regardless of their result against Rwanda.

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Nigeria, however, will also be desperate for a win, as the Super Eagles could still qualify for the World Cup if South Africa fails to defeat Rwanda. Should both Nigeria and Bafana Bafana win their respective matches on Tuesday, it will be South Africa who secures qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Broos on Mofokeng's absence

Briefly News also reported that Broos has addressed the questions about his team missing Relebohile Mofokeng in Bafana Bafana's draw against Zimbabwe.

The South African international was included in the final 23-man list for the match, but had to withdraw due to injury and was replaced by Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala.

Source: Briefly News