Ronwen Williams and Percy Tau Strengthen Bafana Bafana for Upcoming Afcon Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national soccer team, have been bolstered by the return of two key players, Ronwen Williams and Percy Tau, for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Congo. The team’s coach, Hugo Broos, has included both players in his preliminary squad for the matches scheduled for next month.

The return of Ronwen Williams, the team captain and goalkeeper, marks a significant boost for Bafana Bafana. Williams had been absent from previous qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan due to shoulder surgery during the off-season. However, he recently resumed play for Mamelodi Sundowns, featuring in a match against SuperSport United and starting in a Betway Premiership victory over Marumo Gallants.

Bafana Bafana’s performance in recent qualifiers saw them draw 2-2 with Uganda at home, a match marked by critical errors from stand-in goalkeeper Veli Mothwa. They managed a narrow victory over South Sudan, winning 3-2 away thanks to a decisive late goal from Thalente Mbatha, an Orlando Pirates midfielder.

Percy Tau, a forward for Al Ahly, also makes a return to the national squad after being omitted from the last selection, which Coach Broos partially attributed to a lack of match fitness. Tau has since demonstrated a resurgence in form, notably by scoring twice in Al Ahly’s CAF Champions League match against Kenya’s Gor Mahia.

Bafana Bafana will face Congo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on October 11, before heading to Congo for the away fixture four days later. Two victories in these matches would position them favorably for qualification to the Afcon tournament, set to take place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18.

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro expressed his joy at seeing more players from his squad, including newcomers such as Thabiso Sesane and Tshegofatso Mabsa, receive national call-ups. “It’s good news any time a Pirates player is on the list,” Riveiro commented, highlighting the recognition of his players’ performances.