Khune concerned over Bafana star: He was not switched on
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Bafana Bafana players Thapelo Maseko, Ronwen Williams and Kamogelo Sebelebele. Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
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Khune concerned over Bafana star: He was not switched on
Oct 2, 2026 – 08:40 am
By Siya Ndlela
Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has raised concerns about current national team captain Ronwen Williams’s performance.
Khune’s sentiments came in the wake of South Africa’s dominant 5-0 victory over Eritrea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Cairo.
Despite the flattering scoreline, Bafana Bafana survived multiple early scares as Williams committed several unforced errors in the first half.
The unusual jitteriness from the experienced Mamelodi Sundowns stopper prompted Khune to suggest that the goalkeeper may have underestimated their East African opposition.
“Yeah, it was a nervy start for Ronwen; even in the second half, I was a bit worried,” said Khune on SABC.
“I think sometimes he’s overconfident, and that’s when he makes mistakes.
“So I think he needs to eliminate that because maybe he was taking the opposition for granted because at the end of the day, if you concede like that, I mean, Sipho Chaine is waiting [on the subs bench.]
“Look at the other error there; he was not switched on there. Instead of tipping the ball, he gave them half a chance.”
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However, the Kaizer Chiefs legend quickly gave Williams credit for bouncing back strongly in the second half to help secure the clean sheet. Khune, who has always highly praised Williams, reiterated that his critique comes from a place of support and constructive guidance for his successor.
Much like Williams, Khune famously captained the national side during his illustrious international career and currently ranks as the second most-capped player in Bafana Bafana history with 91 appearances, trailing only Aaron Mokoena.
The senior men’s national team will have little time to dwell on the errors as they prepare for a high-profile international friendly. Bafana Bafana’s next match is scheduled against Egypt on Sunday.