{
  "id": 9927985,
  "title": "Bafana’s Williams – ‘There are more steps to be climbed’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/bafanas-williams-there-are-more-steps-to-be-climbed",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T06:40:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/bafana-williams-more-steps-climbed/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has emphasized that the team cannot afford to take any backward steps as they embark on a new chapter under head coach Pitso Mosimane. The squad will face Guinea in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifier at the Orlando Amstel Arena, marking Mosimane's first competitive match in charge. Williams stressed that the team shares high expectations both from the players and the coach, recognizing that they have come a long way but still have more steps to climb. Mosimane highlighted the importance of winning a cup as the next goal, with South Africa's only major trophy being the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations. The team must first secure their place at the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, facing a challenging group that includes Guinea, who are playing with an entirely overseas-based squad. Williams highlighted the significance of collecting maximum points at home, stating that the home advantage could be the difference between qualifying for the finals or not.",
  "summary": "'Can we be a bit better, can we achieve more? That is the energy and spirit around the camp,' said the Bafana captain.",
  "key_points": [
    "Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams warns against regression.",
    "Team faces Guinea in 2027 AFCON Group D qualifier.",
    "Mosimane aims for cup win, first step to 1996 title."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Securing a win against Guinea is crucial for Bafana Bafana as they aim to qualify for the 2027 AFCON and progress under coach Pitso Mosimane, with captain Ronwen Williams stressing the team's high expectations.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}