BAFANA Bafana captain Ronwen Williams provided leadership from the back and assisted the national side to reach their first World Cup knockout stage.
When Hugo Broos walked away from the touchline after Bafana Bafana’s historic victory over South Korea, there was visible relief mixed with vindication.
For much of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, the Bafana coach had found himself under pressure.
There had been criticism after the opening defeat to Mexico, questions around his tactical decisions and growing debate over whether South Africa were becoming too cautious against elite opposition.
Yet by the end of the group phase, Broos had guided Bafana into the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time in their history.
