Bafana skipper praises Hugo Broos response to criticism

Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico in their Group A opener at the Estadio Azteca, a result made worse by two red cards that left the team facing an uphill battle.

However, South Africa responded with a spirited 1-1 draw against Czechia in Atlanta to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive with South Korea to come. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Williams revealed that Broos never panicked despite criticism surrounding his tactics and team selection after the Mexico defeat.

"The last week has been so difficult for each and every member in the team. There was so much negative chatter and we were disappointed on top of that because we lost the opening game. In these difficult moments, the leadership and experience of the coach came through. In the two days after the game he didn't say much, he just let us be and then after that he showed us the corrections we had to make."

READ: Ivory Coast, RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande opens up on tragedy of losing sister

Williams agreed that Bafana might have fallen short during what was a test of character against Mexico but bounced back when they shared the spoils with Czechia. 

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper added that he felt victory was within their sights against the Europeans had they pushed to another gear. 

On South Korea, who dropped all three points against Mexico hours after Bafana’s draw with Czechia, Williams pointed out that the Asian side also pose a different threat. 

"It's going to be tough. They're so good, with the movement, the quality and the speed. This is football, it's another opportunity for us to go and compete. The analysis has already started and we watched their game against Mexico to see where they can maybe hurt us and where we can hurt them as well."