Long after the final whistle at Marrakech Stadium, Ronwen Williams cut a calm, thoughtful figure.
South Africa were through to the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but their captain and goalkeeper was already looking ahead not celebrating.
“It’s amazing. We’re happy,” Williams said after the tense 3–2 win over Zimbabwe. “It wasn’t easy but our goal was always to get out of the group. After finishing third at the last AFCON, that was non-negotiable.”
The latest chapter of the fiery Limpopo Derby delivered its usual drama. With qualification on the line, Bafana Bafana started sharply. Tshepang Moremi struck early, settling nerves and giving South Africa control.
Zimbabwe, however, refused to fade. A first-half equaliser reignited their hopes and ensured the contest stayed on a knife edge. The second half was rugged and frantic, with the Warriors pushing hard for a famous result.
Experience eventually told. In the 82nd minute, Oswin Appollis calmly converted a penalty to restore South Africa’s lead and send their fans into celebration.
Yet Williams’ post-match tone was revealing.
“We’re delighted, but we know something is missing,” he admitted. “There are moments where we look good, but it’s not consistent enough. Our presence, our aura, it’s not fully there yet.”
Rather than shy away from criticism, the Bafana captain embraced it. He spoke of a team still searching for rhythm, but confident it can be found.
“We see it in flashes,” he said. “Now we have five or six days to find that spark, the one that makes us play the kind of football people enjoy watching.”
Williams believes that slow progress could work in South Africa’s favour.
“Sometimes teams peak too early at AFCON,” he reflected. “We haven’t peaked yet. We haven’t played our best football, and maybe that’s a good thing. Hopefully, we save it for the knockouts.”
For now, he credits mentality and resilience for carrying the team through.
“When things aren’t going our way, we fight,” Williams said. “We all want beautiful football, but sometimes you have to grind, get the result, and move on.”
South Africa finished second in Group B with six points, one behind Egypt, and advance to the knockout stage alongside the Pharaohs.
