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…Our destiny is in our own hands, says the Bafana Bafana Captain
By: Mpho Sekharume
With just a few hours away before Bafana Bafana host Nigeria tonight at 18:00 at the Free Stadium in Bloemfontein, shot stopper Ronwen Williams has boldly deflated any suggestion that the national side will go into the looming battle with any form anxiety, given the stature of the continental clash.
Bafana Bafana are on the cusp of securing qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, should they beat Nigeria in the City of Roses in front of vibrant crowd.
Speaking at press briefing ahead of this titanic clash yesterday, the Bafana skipper said the team is more focused on the objective of securing their ticket to the World Cup, given the fact that they have become quite familiar with tonight’s opponents from their previous encounters.
“It is good for us that we have not lost to them in open play…we went away to them and got a result (in Nigeria), so there is nothing to fear. There is not so much extra motivation, besides the fact that we can obviously qualify tomorrow.
“We need to play the same way we have been playing and have the same mentality and the same team spirit. And I mean we have played Nigeria twice in the last two years, so we are familiar with them, we know them, and we have got the experience as well,” said Williams.
He stressed that the team’s fate is in their own hands and will opt not to rely on other teams and pertinent permutations to qualify for next year’s showpiece.
“We will just go out there and do what we have been doing and obviously get the job done.
“The most important thing is to get the job done. We don’t want any favours from anyone; we want to do things for our way. We learned a hard lesson a few years ago where our destiny was in other teams’ hands and things didn’t go our way.
“We learned and we grew as a team. Now we want to do it our way and get the job done,” he said.
While beating Nigeria will grant Bafana Bafana World Cup qualification, a loss would push them to chase victory away against Zimbabwe next month on 6 October 2025 and possibly against Rwanda a week later 13 October.
True to Williams’ supposition, sweating over Nigeria is not that necessary. Nevertheless, victory over the Super Eagles would be an essential morale booster, that will save them the dreaded effort of pulling out all stops against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
Said Williams: “There are still nine points to play for…we shouldn’t put too much pressure on ourselves to get it done, but it would mean so much to get it done as early as possible. But we should just treat it like any other game.”
…says the team’s focus is on qualifying for the World Cup and not the rivalry sideshow
By: Mpho Sekharume
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has declared that his charges are ready to face Nigeria this evening in Bloemfontein and will be going out to get a positive result to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America next year.
The national team coach told the media at a press briefing in the Free State capital that his side is confident ahead of the Super Eagles clash, despite the latter pushing for Bafana Bafana to be docked points for having fielded a suspended player in Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, in the 2-0 first leg victory against Lesotho back in March this year.
The national side secured a very important 3-0 victory against their landlocked neighbours Lesotho last Friday at the Free State Stadium and will now be hoping to get another win again against Nigeria – whom they have developed a fierce continental rivalry with over the past few years.
“We believe in ourselves, and we are confident,” Broos said in Bloemfontein yesterday ahead of tonight's clash.
“We did a very good mental job on Friday – it wasn’t easy to play that game. You know the nonsense that has been told before. So that means that the team is mentally strong.” He added.
While lauding the intense football rivalry that continues to develop between the two countries – hailing it as ‘good for football’ - Broos emphasised that the Bafana Bafana’s greatest motivation is to win and qualify for the World Cup competition next year and not necessarily to defeat Nigeria in particular.
“Okay it is nice, and it is good for football that there is a rivalry between two countries, but for us this is not the most important thing.
“We may beat Nigeria and practically we would have qualified for the world cup. That is important…not the fact that we beat Nigeria (in particular).
“It’s up to us to manage the game and not to lose our heads, because the rivalry is so high,” said Broos.
The Free State Stadium is expected to be packed to the rafters when these two African football giants collide tonight. The match will kick off at 18:00.
The South African national team will be looking to draw great motivation from the vibrant football loving crowd in Bloemfontein when they face Lesotho tomorrow and Nigeria this coming Tuesday at the Free State Stadium. Known to have to have some of the liveliest football supporters in the country, Bloemfontein football fans have for decades embodied the undy ing spirit of cheering their team on in synchronised fashion that is yet to be emulated elsewhere in the country. This distinctive factor has also served as a key moral boost for their local teams namely Bloem fontein Celtic – which the supporters have since ‘abandoned’ in favour of premiership entrants Siwelele FC. At a press briefing at the stadium yesterday, Broos said he believes the massive support the team will enjoy in the upcoming two fixtures will serve as a much-needed boost to get the job done against their African counterparts. “The last time we played in Bloemfontein there was a big crowd…and I think it was the first time we played in front of a big crowd. “The atmosphere in the stadium was fantas tic. After that it was the beginning because after that in every stadium we played it was a full crowd,” he noted. Broos recalled times when his chargers used to play in front of almost empty venues elsewhere. “Before we played in front of around 2000 people at a big stadium like FNB,” noted Broos “It is not nice and it doesn’t make a player or a coach happy when you come out of a dressing room and you see an empty stadium. “When there is a crowd behind you as a team you can always do more,” he added. Skipper Ronwen Williams recollection of the last time Bafana Bafana was in the Free State was also very positive. He said he hopes supporters will come out and show similar support when they face Lesotho tomorrow and Nigeria four days later at the same venue. “We know the crowd can be an extra motivation and we have got good memories of playing last year here against Zimbabwe. “So hopefully the fans will come out again and be that extra motivation that we need for these important games. It is two massive games in this group and we hope to get positive results in both games. While aware of the mammoth task of qualify ing for the FIFA World Cup to be hosted in North America in June and July next year, both Broos and Williams indicated that the team is ready to deliver against their African coun terparts. Broos said the match against Lesotho is a must-win fixture, as it will also put pressure on their other opponents in Group C. “For us we have to win the game tomorrow. The way we will try to do it I will tell you. But what makes me happy is that I see a very motivated group. And all the boys know that also for them it will be a highlight in their careers to go to America, Canada, Mexico next year. “From my side we are very motivated to play the game of tomorrow and try to win it. At the other side we also know that Lesotho is always a very tough opponent. I think it’s important that we do that tomorrow and put pressure on the other oppo nents. I think Nigeria is only playing on Saturday, so that means we have to take this opportunity with both hands. “So, it will be a very tough game. But again, when you are so far already as we are for the moment, you can always try do something more and that we will try to do tomorrow and beat Lesotho,” Broos said at the media conference. Williams also highlighted the importance of win ning against Lesotho and Nigeria, as part of their objective to go compete at the looming World Cup tournament next year. “We know how important this game is and what it can do the qualification for the World Cup. This is the next step for our objective, which is to be at the World Cup. “So, everything has been going well and we are just looking forward to doing the business tomorrow,” added Williams. Bafana Bafana’s match against Lesotho will kick off at 18:00 tomorrow evening, while the fixture against Nigeria on Tuesday will also kick off at 18:00 at the same venue.
Siwelele FC’s Nyiko Mobbie and Ricardo Goss made Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos’ final 23-man squad ahead of the national team’s two fixtures against Lesotho and Nigeria in Bloemfontein on 5 and 9 September 2025 respectively.
Although the Bloemfontein club is experiencing a difficult time early in the new Betway premiership season at the moment, the duo’s call-ups are testament to their good individual performances, and they will be looking to impress Broos in order to feature regularly in Broos’ plans in the future.
A veteran of the Premier Soccer League, Goss has long been admired for his commanding presence and exceptional shot-stopping abilities between the sticks.
Even though he will most likely start on the bench - with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams and Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine as Broos’ first and second choice goalkeepers respectively - Goss’ call-up is a recognition of his steadfast reliability and leadership abilities, while adding essential depth to the goalkeeping department.
He is a vocal leader who organises the defence and instils confidence in his backline.
His inclusion in the national team not only adds to his existing five national team caps, but also strongly indicates that Broos values experience.
Meanwhile, Mobbie will be tasked with ensuring that the Bafana Bafana defence is impenetrable given his defensive solidity and high work-rate. Mobbie is a no-nonsense defender whose disciplined approach has made him a fan favourite at Siwelele. His ability to shut down attacks on the right flank justifies his selection for national duty.
Having already earned an impressive 27 caps for Bafana, his pedigree on the international stage has been proven over time and reflects Broos’ trust in his abilities to deliver at crucial moments like in the upcoming two international fixtures.
With Goss and Mobbie heading into Bafana camp for the FIFA international window, Broos and his charges will be looking to secure all points on offer in bid to secure qualification into the FIFA World Cup.
Many may deem the fixture against Lesotho as a warm-up match, but Bafana Bafana would be foolish to underestimate their neighbours. This match is important for the players to gel in preparation for intense rivalry against Nigeria a mere four days later at the same venue. This high-stakes encounter is one of the most anticipated matches on the continent and offers a chance for Broos's side to make a serious statement.
The renowned vibrance of local fans in Bloemfontein will also undoubtedly provide a massive home advantage for the national team.
South Africa's Betway Premiership delivered a blend of mixed results this week with Free State outfits succumbing to defeats, while Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns played to a goalless draw in a tightly contested fixture out at Soccer City
In the biggest encounter of the 2025/26 season so far, Kaizer Chiefs and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns played to a tense and tactical 0-0 draw at the FNB Stadium. Both teams preserved their unbeaten status, with Chiefs dropping points for the first time this season.
‘Amakhosi’ started the game with intent, employing a relentless high press that denied Sundowns time on the ball and created several early opportunities. Wandile Duba was at the forefront of the Chiefs attack, forcing a great save from Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a header in the 11th minute.
Downs' trademark possession-based football was disrupted, although they did have their moments in the match. Tashreeq Matthews poked a ball over the crossbar early on, while Teboho Mokoena's shot from range forced a superb diving save from Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
The second half was a story of continued defensive solidity from both sides. Kaizer Chiefs looked the more likely to break the deadlock and often had ‘Bafana Ba Style’ on the back foot, but they ultimately fell short in the final third.
Although Sundowns maintained possession of the ball for the most part of the match, Chiefs enjoyed more goalscoring opportunities despite the Sundowns defence remaining resolute.
The match ended in a stalemate, a result that highlights the defensive improvements for Amakhosi, who have now kept five consecutive clean sheets for the first time since the 2019/20 season. The draw means both teams remain unbeaten, but Chiefs will feel they had the better of the chances on the night.
In another midweek fixture, TS Galaxy showcased a commanding performance against Siwelele FC, controlling the game from the opening whistle to ultimately secure a 2-0 win. The Rockets were relentless from the start, forcing an immediate clearance from Siwelele goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa within the first ten seconds of kick-off.
The early pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Seluleko Mahlambi headed in a well-executed corner set piece to give Galaxy a 1-0 lead. The momentum continued into the second half, with Mahlambi doubling the lead in the 46th minute after initiating a blistering counterattack from his own half, which ended with him receiving an assist to net his second goal.
Galaxy’s dominance continued throughout the second half. Siwelele goal stopper Thakasani Mbanjwa was called upon to make a handful of impressive saves on several occasions as the hosts sought a third goal. Mahlambi himself came agonizingly close to scoring, when his diving header flew past Mbanjwa, but ended up going wide.
The match concluded with a 2-0 scoreline, with the Bloemfontein side slipping to 12th on the premiership log. The match was indeed a fair reflection of TS Galaxy's superior performance and clinical finishing, with Mahlambi’s brace enough to set to the side apart.
At the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch FC battled to a vital 1-0 home victory over the visiting Marumo Gallants, thus securing their first win of the season. The match began as a cagey affair, with both teams sizing each other up.
While Gallants had the better of the attacking chances in the first half, it was Stellenbosch who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Andre de Jong’s powerful header rattled the crossbar in the 24th minute.
The game's single goal came immediately after the restart. Halftime substitute Langelihle Phili made an immediate impact as he found the back of the net in the 46th minute to give the Maroons a crucial lead. The goal sparked the game into life, and both sides traded blows in an entertaining football showcase.
Gallants’ goalkeeper Washington Arubi was kept busy with calls that demanded crucial saves. Stellenbosch held on for the narrow victory. This marked a second consecutive loss for Gallants, who are now 8th on the log and will be in search of redemption when they host Polokwane City at the Dr. Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein this coming Sunday.
Other results saw Golden arrows beat Magesi 2-1 at the king Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, while Richards Bay edged Chippa United with a 1-0 win at the Princess Magogo Stadium – also in Durban. United remain the only team in the current campaign that is yet to register a win, leaving them with a single point from the latter fixture with the Natal Rich Boys.
Meanwhile, Polokwane City and Durban city played to a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with Sekhukhune United dropping their first points this season after playing to a one-all stalemate with Amazulu to, nonetheless, remain at the summit of the log with 10 points after the fourth round of fixtures.
Chiefs and Sundowns are in second and third respectively.
Orlando Pirates shot-stopper, Sipho Chaine’s heroics between the posts is rapidly establishing him as a key potential for the nation's best goalkeeper
While Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams has long been the undisputed number one - since Kaizer Chief’s Itumeleng Khune’s lengthy stint at the helm - Chaine’s recent performances, particularly in the recent high-stakes MTN 8 semi-final against Sundowns, suggest a changing of the guard is on the horizon.
While Williams has been a loyal servant to the national team, a perceived dip in his recent form coincides with Chaine’s ascendant trajectory. Chaine's consistent high-level performances make a strong case for his claim to the top spot.
His agility, shot-stopping ability, and mental fortitude are making him a compelling candidate to lead the national team from between the sticks, signalling an exciting new chapter in South African goalkeeping.
The recent MTN 8 result, echoing last year’s outcome in the final, where Chaine’s Orlando Pirates triumphed to lift their third successive MTN 8 title, underscores his ability to perform under pressure against the reigning league champions.
Although he has conceded three-goals already this season, the Bloemfontein native’s consistent brilliance has not gone unnoticed. He was crowned the Goalkeeper of the Season in the recently past season, as testament to his outstanding contributions between the posts.
The latter accolade highlights his growing maturity and an increasingly resilient mentality. Chaine exudes a calmness and focus that is essential even for the national team.
The stage is now firmly set for a compelling tussle for the Bafana Bafana number one jersey, and it is highly anticipated that he will soon feature prominently in national coach Hugo Broos’ plans going forward.
Broos is set to announce the final Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) clashes against Lesotho and Nigeria on 5 and 9 September 2025 respectively. Both fixtures will be played at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Chaine is included in the preliminary squad.
After playing to 1-1 stalemate in the first leg of the MTN 8 semi-finals last weekend at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, football pundits are waiting to see if Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates will advance to the final of the competition this weekend when the Buccaneers visit Sundowns in the return leg at Lucas Masterpieces Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.
This is a high stakes fixture for both premiership giants, as they are both pressured to ultimately go on and win the cup competition and claim the first trophy that is on offer in the new 2025/2026 season. Defending champions Pirates have been winning this competition successively since the 2022/2023 season under Jose Riviero and will now be determined to extend their dominance by winning the competition under new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou – who is aware of this expectation from Bucs’ legion of fans.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, and his charges are equally under pressure to deliver the elusive MTN 8 title, which the club has won on a mere four previous occasion. In fact, the fifteen-time Premier Soccer League champion (PSL) champions have a constantly revolving mandate to win all trophies on offer in any given season – including the MTN 8.
Despite their undeniable premiership dominance, Sundowns have been struggling on the domestic cups front as compared to their Soweto rivals, Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
Pirates have won the MTN 8 title a total of 13 times, while Chiefs hold the record with 15 titles. Downs have been playing catch up in the cup tournament fray and have continuously failed live up to expectations - which vividly contrasts their immaculate success in the league.
With the battle lines drawn, this sold-out affair is set to kick-off at 15:00 tomorrow.
In the other semi-final fixture, Sekhukhune United will have to overturn a two-goal deficit to overcome Stellenbosch FC to advance to the final of the competition. Babina Noko would need to net no less than three goals without conceding to advance to the final. A 2-0 win by Sekhukhune would force the match into a penalty shootout.
While the permutations are clear, beating Stellenbosch is surely going to prove to be a tall order for the Limpopo side.Underestimating Sekhukhune, however, would also be a very risky undertaking by Stellenbosch who slumped to a 1-0 loss to the Buccaneers in a midweek league fixture, while the former thumped Orbit College by three goals to none on Tuesday night.
The magnificent midweek win not only serves as proof of Sekhukhune’s prowess in front of goals but may serve as essential inspiration that may lead them to victory this Sunday. This match will take place later Saturday at 18:00.
