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Although Williams missed her brother’s influence, she did not lack family support.
“I can remember when coach Hugo Bruce announced me as captain, there was a family gathering,” he recalled.
“I still have all those pictures and videos, and to see what it meant to them. I’m sure the joy, pride and joy has probably doubled, if not tripled, now that I’m going to the World Cup.”
For the past five years, Williams has had a new father figure in Brose, the Belgian coach who led Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title.
Appointed to lead South Africa with Bafana Bafana in 2021, the 74-year-old immediately made Williams his captain and reinvigorated the squad, leading them to a third-place finish at the 2023 Afcon and ensuring they made it into their World Cup qualifying group four times – in bookings.
Williams even went so far as to say that Bruce had “united” the country after bringing back “faith and love” in the team and in South Africa.
“Two, three years ago we were crying for the fans to come out and support us. And he pointed out that it matches the performance, the result,” added the 34-year-old.
“When we start picking up results, that’s when the faith comes back.
“Now people can’t wait for Bafana Bafana to play. Buying our products, sending us wishes.
“He’s amazing, exceptional.”
South Africa finished above Nigeria in their qualifying group, winning five of their 10 games.
But they are In the last 16 most recent Afcon exits, And after a 2-1 loss to Panama in March, Williams’ side are unfazed as they prepare to face Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea in Group A.
“I think we have to be realistic about our chances. The most important thing is to get out of the group,” Williams said.
“The mindset we need to have is: Can we compete? Can we show up? Can we perform?”
Although South Africa took four points from their group in 2002 and 2010, they have never made it past the second round of the World Cup, meaning a place in the last 32 of the newly expanded tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States would represent progress.
