The South African national team might have to play the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers without their captain, Ronwen Williams.
Bafana Bafana will host Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium next Friday. After that, they will face Benin in Ivory Coast. If South Africa wins both matches, they will take a big step towards advancing from the group.
Ronwen Williams, who plays for Sundowns, has been sidelined with an injury for some time, and recent reports indicate that he may not recover in time for the training camp.
Williams is an experienced goalkeeper who has made a name for himself in recent years.
In his absence, Bafana Bafana will have to rely on one of Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, or Sage Stephens. Among these three backup goalkeepers, Chaine, who plays for Orlando Pirates, appears to have the advantage.
Chaine previously played in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, guarding the net in South Africa’s 3-2 victory against South Sudan.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper also helped Orlando Pirates reach the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face MC Alger.
A strong performance in Bafana Bafana colors could positively change the perception of South Africa’s goalkeeping talent.
The final squad for the World Cup qualifiers will be announced this week, and Williams’ availability will be determined at that time.