Ronwen Williams: Mamelodi Sundowns Star Explains How Hugo Broos Revived Bafana Bafana

• Ronwen Williams has narrated how Hugo Broos transformed the Bafana Bafana squad when he was appointed
• The South African goalkeeper has been a regular member of the national team since the arrival of the Belgian tactician
• The former Belgium international has qualified South Africa for the 2026 World Cup and also the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has opened up about some of the behind-the-scenes changes that have transformed the national team under coach Hugo Broos ahead of their game against Zambia.

The Mamelodi Sundowns skipper was part of the 23-man squad called up for the friendly match against the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations champions as they prepare for AFCON 2025 after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The South African shot-stopper confirmed that the veteran Belgian tactician, Hugo Broos, has instilled a new level of discipline, structure, and accountability within the squad, qualities that have played a key role in the team’s recent resurgence.

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According to the former SuperSport United goalkeeper, Broos’ leadership style goes beyond tactics and motivation; he leads by example and takes full responsibility when things don’t go as planned.

He explained that this approach has set high standards across the entire team. The players now understand what is expected of them both on and off the field, and they’ve responded with commitment and consistency. The results have reflected this shift, with Bafana Bafana stringing together a series of strong performances and showing a renewed sense of purpose.

He also confirmed that Broos’ honesty, discipline, and willingness to hold everyone, including himself, accountable have created a culture of respect and unity within the camp, which has ultimately driven the team’s impressive run of form.

Williams reflects on Broos's approach at Bafana

Speaking on the Sports Arena, Williams recalled a recent moment that demonstrated Broos’s leadership style. After the team conceded nine goals in five games across the March, June, and September international windows, the Belgian gaffer called a meeting before the next camp began. He told the players he wasn’t happy with their performances and felt standards had slipped, but instead of blaming the squad, he took full responsibility himself.

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The South African international also said he was surprised when Broos admitted, “It starts with me.” The coach explained that after all the praise and excitement following their impressive AFCON campaign, he had relaxed and allowed things to drift, something he vowed to correct.

For Williams, it was the first time he had seen a coach take such ownership of a team’s dip in form.

Broos also reminded the players that every call-up to the national team must be earned, not given. He challenged them to justify their selection and prove that he wasn’t wrong for believing in them. That message, according to Williams, reignited the hunger and competition within the squad.

Now, every player who joins the camp does so with pride and purpose, a complete shift from the past when enthusiasm for national duty had waned. Williams said this renewed energy and sense of accountability have been key to Bafana Bafana’s turnaround under Broos.

Broos announces Bafana squad for Zambia tie

Briefly News also reported that Orlando Pirates dominate the Bafana Bafana squad that will face Zambia in their next match during the international break.

Broos trimmed the preliminary squad from 43-man to a 23-man list, as they battle against the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations champions.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News