'It's a strange, weird Bafana camp' - Ronwen Williams | OneFootball

Interview

Williams makes honest Bafana camp admission

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackPagePix

Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams says the ongoing national team camp in preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is strange and weird.

The camp has been marred by accusations of racism and sexism directed at head coach Hugo Broos following his comments about Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent Basia Michaels last Wednesday.

On top of that, Europe-based stars like Lyle Foster, Shandre Campbell, and Siyabonga Ngezana are still to join up with the squad, as FIFA only changed the release date for international players to 15 December.

Williams admits that, with so many issues currently swirling around the team, the camp has felt off, saying the overall mood is pretty low at the moment.

“It has been a bit of a strange and weird camp for many reasons. Obviously, we are not the full squad and it's difficult to prepare like that. We have had our own small little problems as a team, but I'm glad those things happened, especially going into a major tournament,” said the skipper.

"We had a chance to sit together, sort things out, try to fix issues that we have as a team, and training has been good, but we haven't been at our best as well. So, I think once the team settles down this week, things will be better because I had a strange feeling this week. The mood in the team hasn't been the best, but we'll sort it out and we'll keep fighting."

The experienced shot-stopper went on to urge the nation to unite, show love, and rally behind the national team instead of fuelling negativity ahead of the continental showpiece.

“I think the main focus is always supporting the team and getting behind us. We know how far we have come as a team and as a country, and we can't take steps back now, so we need each other in these moments. In this time, we can only be stronger together,” Williams added.

"Let's learn from past mistakes and issues that we had that affected the team and performances as well. That will give us the opportunity to go to the tournament with a clear mindset and go out there to give our all for the country – that's what we have been doing.

"But obviously, the last week there has been a lot of talk around and we don't need that now. All we need is support, the love, so that we can go out there and perform."

Bafana have been drawn in Group B alongside Angola, neighbours Zimbabwe, and record seven-time African champions Egypt, with the tournament set to kick off on 21 December.