We can now compete against the best

The domestic season is in full flight, and the Africa Cup of Nations is fast approaching, placing Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams at the centre of one of the most demanding periods of his career.

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The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper continues to play a pivotal role for both club and country, guiding Sundowns' multi-front ambitions while anchoring the national team with composure and authority. As South Africa prepares to return to the continental stage following a memorable bronze-medal finish at the previous AFCON,

expectations around the senior national team have naturally heightened. Williams, whose leadership has been widely commended since taking over the captain's armband, is central to maintaining balance, belief and collective focus as Bafana aim to go one step further. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Masebe Qina, which took place during a recent event in Johannesburg where Williams was unveiled as a Visa ambassador in partnership with Absa, the 33-year-old reflects on the team's evolution. Williams also opens up on the emotional journey of securing World Cup qualification, the responsibilities of captaining the nation, and the road ahead as South Africa gears up for a crucial continental campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.