Bafana Bafana newcomers earn praise from captain Ronwen Williams

The skipper was speaking after South Africa’s 2-1 victory over Angola in their tournament opener on Monday.

Williams said newcomers such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi and Mohau Nkota are already adding real value to the team.

"It's amazing to be honest, and like I've said, playing in an AFCON tournament is not easy, but to see them fit in, looking good and looking comfortable, is great to see. There is definitely good things to build on."

The skipper had mixed reactions about their performance against Angola despite getting all three points.

"We started very well and everything seemed okay until they started putting pressure on us, but I also think we sat back with our 1-0 lead. Half-time came at the right time for us and we were glad not to concede another goal before the break. 

"We then made our changes, and I think Tshepang Moremi was one that was magnificent for us."

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It has become a defining feature of this Bafana Bafana squad that their camaraderie is tangible, something Williams says was clearly on display in the victory over Angola.

Williams also gave coach Hugo Broos credit for his motivational half-time team talk.