Williams applauds Broos for trusting youngsters on biggest stage

South Africa touched down at O.R. Tambo International Airport on Thursday morning after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 on Sunday. 

The final 26-man squad included 13 players aged 25-years or younger, with Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi the youngest at just 20 years old.

Speaking at the press conference, Williams, who was the second-oldest player in South Africa’s squad behind Themba Zwane, said he wishes he had played at a World Cup at the age of 20, adding that he knows what it would have done for his career.

"The team has been on a very positive trend upward, obviously the coach has always had his key players, the players who have always been there and carried the team for a long time, but all the young players that emerged from South Africa are special players and they just came out of nowhere.

"We need to give credit to the coach for trusting them at this big level, it can only do their careers wonders. I wish I had played a World Cup at 20-years-old because I know what that would have done for my career."

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The 34-year-old, who is teammates with Thapelo Maseko at Mamelodi Sundowns says the winger's loan move to AEL Limassol in the Cypriot top-flight has helped him as he was not in a good space. 

He said that heading into the World Cup, he knew that Bafana Bafana had a secret weapon in Maseko. 

He also added that the team is proud of 21-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng, who recently signed a four-year contract with Belgian Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (RUSG).

"The move helped Maseko b because he wasn't in a very good space. We saw glimpses of him for his team in Cyprus, but when he arrived into the camp we could see the energy, how fit he was and how he was dribbling. Going into the tournament we know we had a weapon in him because he is so deadly and powerful.

"For Rele it's amazing and we are all happy and proud, and we'll continue supporting him."