{"id":37753,"date":"2026-06-11T14:20:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T12:20:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=37753"},"modified":"2026-06-11T14:20:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T12:20:29","slug":"ronwen-williams-sibuyile-bafana-bafana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/ronwen-williams-sibuyile-bafana-bafana\/","title":{"rendered":"Ronwen Williams Says \u2018Sibuyile\u2019 as Bafana Bafana Return to 2026 World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa returns to the FIFA World Cup on Thursday night for the first time since 2010, with Bafana Bafana set to face co hosts Mexico in the opening match of the tournament at Estadio Azteca. Ahead of the historic fixture, captain Ronwen Williams issued an open letter to South Africans, declaring &#8220;Sibuyile&#8221;, meaning &#8220;We are back&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The message comes as millions of South Africans prepare to watch the national team&#8217;s first World Cup appearance in 16 years. The occasion marks a significant milestone for Bafana Bafana, who qualified for the tournament after topping their qualifying group under coach Hugo Broos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams said the return represents more than football, reflecting years of hope, disappointment and belief from supporters across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/bafana-bafana-at-fifa-world-cup-2026\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: Bafana Bafana at FIFA World Cup 2026: Fixtures, Squad, Format and What South Africans Need to Know<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ronwen Williams Reflects on a 16 Year Wait<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his letter, Williams acknowledged the significance of South Africa&#8217;s return to football&#8217;s biggest tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the captain, the country has spent 16 years waiting to see Bafana Bafana compete on the global stage again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;For 16 years, we South Africans have waited for this moment,&#8221; Williams wrote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Sixteen years of hoping to see our flag rise again on football&#8217;s biggest stage. Sixteen years of remembering what it felt like when the world stood still for South African football.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goalkeeper added that despite years of disappointment and missed opportunities, supporters never stopped believing in the national team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Williams, the squad now carries that belief onto the world stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"616\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-14.16.44.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-14.16.44.png 616w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-14.16.44-274x300.png 274w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-14.16.44-150x164.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-14.16.44-450x493.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kickoffmagazine\/posts\/sibuyile-williams-pens-letter-to-south-africasixteen-years-of-hoping-to-see-our-\/1413528137475687\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2938317856\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A New Generation Makes Its World Cup Debut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike previous South African teams that featured experienced World Cup players, every member of the current 26 player squad will be making their FIFA World Cup debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams will lead the side out as captain against Mexico in one of the most anticipated matches in South African football since the 2010 tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The opening fixture also carries symbolic significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa&#8217;s first match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup was also against Mexico, ending in a memorable 1 all draw at Soccer City in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sixteen years later, the two nations once again meet in the tournament opener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Personal Journey Behind Williams&#8217; Leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The World Cup carries additional emotional significance for Williams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking to the BBC World Service, the goalkeeper reflected on the loss of his older brother Marvin, who died in a car accident just two months before the 2010 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams was 18 years old at the time and considered stepping away from football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, he continued his career and has since become one of Africa&#8217;s most respected goalkeepers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;To know I&#8217;ll be leading out my team in the opening game, I can&#8217;t put it into words,&#8221; Williams told the BBC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;It gives me chills.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Mamelodi Sundowns captain said his family remains a major source of motivation and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1718521004\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hugo Broos&#8217; Impact on Bafana Bafana<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams also credited head coach Hugo Broos for transforming the national team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Belgian coach took charge in 2021 after South Africa failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations and has overseen a significant turnaround.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Broos, Bafana Bafana secured a third place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams said the coach helped restore belief among players and supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the captain, attendance at national team matches and public support increased as results improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Now people can&#8217;t wait for Bafana Bafana to play,&#8221; Williams said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Africa&#8217;s Challenge at FIFA World Cup 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa enters the tournament with realistic expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams said the primary objective is to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in the country&#8217;s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bafana Bafana have never progressed to the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team&#8217;s Group A opponents are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mexico<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Czech Republic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>South Korea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa qualified for the tournament after finishing ahead of Nigeria in their qualifying group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, recent form has been mixed, placing additional importance on a positive result against Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2118074157\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where South Africans Can Watch the Match<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The match between South Africa and Mexico kicks off at 21:00 South African time on Thursday, 11 June 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to broadcasters, fans can watch the game on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SABC 1<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SABC 3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SABC Sport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SABC Plus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SuperSport<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several public viewing events and fan parks have also been organised across Gauteng, including watch parties in Johannesburg and Midrand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The match is expected to attract significant national interest as South Africa returns to the tournament after a lengthy absence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FIFA World Cup remains one of the most watched sporting events in the world, and South Africa&#8217;s participation is expected to generate significant interest across Gauteng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many residents, the tournament provides an opportunity to reconnect with memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when South Africa hosted the event for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The return of Bafana Bafana to the global stage also highlights the progress made by the national team under Hugo Broos and provides a platform for a new generation of South African footballers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With fan parks, public screenings and viewing events planned across Gauteng, the tournament is likely to bring communities together around a shared sporting moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3791559157\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does &#8220;Sibuyile&#8221; mean?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Sibuyile&#8221; is an isiZulu word that translates to &#8220;We are back.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When does South Africa play Mexico?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa faces Mexico on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at 21:00 South African time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is the captain of Bafana Bafana?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ronwen Williams, goalkeeper and captain of Mamelodi Sundowns, leads the national team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long has it been since South Africa played at a World Cup?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa last participated in the FIFA World Cup in 2010 when the country hosted the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can South Africa qualify for the knockout rounds?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. South Africa can advance by finishing among the top teams in Group A or potentially as one of the best third placed teams under the expanded tournament format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Moment Years in the Making<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For South African football supporters, Thursday&#8217;s match represents the end of a 16 year wait and the beginning of a new World Cup chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ronwen Williams&#8217; message captures the significance of the moment. After years of near misses and rebuilding, Bafana Bafana are once again among the world&#8217;s best football nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether the team progresses beyond the group stage remains to be seen, but their return to football&#8217;s biggest tournament has already become a significant moment for South African sport.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Africa&#8217;s return to the FIFA World Cup after a 16 year absence has been marked by an emotional message from Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams. Ahead of the team&#8217;s opening match against Mexico, Williams reflected on the journey back to football&#8217;s biggest stage and the hopes of a nation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":37757,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[286,11097,11589],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-37753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-bafana-bafana","tag-fifa-world-cup","tag-south-africa-sports"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng \u2014 producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37753"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37753\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37758,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37753\/revisions\/37758"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37757"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37753"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=37753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}