The match marks the beginning of Pitso Mosimane’s tenure as Head Coach after replacing Hugo Broos last month.
SA and Guinea are in Group D alongside Kenya, which has already qualified as an AFCON co-host. Only one additional team will advance from the group, making first place the priority for Bafana. “We know how important it is, especially in the qualifiers, to collect maximum points at home,” Williams said.
“You never know what you’re going to get on the other side. We know the conditions and the travelling.”
Williams said home support could provide Bafana with an important advantage as the national team seeks an immediate three points. “There is a lot at stake at this level, so we control what we can, and that’s our home-ground advantage and our supporters,” Williams said.
“When we play at home, you see a different team. You see the energy, and you feel the love from the supporters.”
Mosimane inherits a side that enjoyed a successful five-year period under Broos. Bafana won bronze at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire before qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and reaching the knockout stage.
Williams said Bafana must build on that progress and raise performance levels under Mosimane.
The squad also drew encouragement from Amajita’s 4-2 victory over Zambia in Maputo, Mozambique.
Raymond Mdaka’s team recovered from a goal down to qualify for the 2027 Under-20 AFCON in Ghana and reach the regional qualifying final.
Emile Witbooi attracted particular attention with a solo goal late in the match, adding to excitement around a promising generation of South African players.
Strong performances at international tournaments have also opened opportunities abroad for local players.
Relebohile Mofokeng and Thapelo Maseko are among the players in the Bafana squad who have secured overseas moves.
For Williams, however, the immediate focus remains Guinea and ensuring that Mosimane’s tenure begins with a victory. “We know how important it is to get those first three points on the board,” Williams said.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
