'Massive' Ronwen Praised For Helping 'Create History'

South Africa captain Ronwen Williams has received massive praise abroad after Bafana Bafana secured their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Hugo Broos' men achieved the historic feat by claiming a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea, despite heading into the encounter as underdogs.

Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute strike proved decisive as South Africa progressed beyond the group stage of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation's history.

While Maseko's goal ultimately grabbed the headlines, former footballer and American broadcaster Ian Joy reserved special praise for Williams and the role he has played under Broos.

Speaking during the post-match analysis, Joy commended the South African coach's decision to entrust the captain's armband to the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, who delivered when his team needed him most.

The 34-year-old kept a crucial clean sheet on the night and produced two important saves to help preserve South Africa's lead and secure qualification.

"The choice to go for Ronwen Williams though, to put him there as the captain and obviously even in this game, he didn't have to do too much, but he made two massive saves in this game that got them this incredible victory to create history," Joy said on CBS Sports Golazo.

Then, former football star Janelly Farías, who was on the show as well, highlighted the hunger and determination shown by the South African players, suggesting that their desire ultimately proved the difference between the two teams.

"Sometimes I think in football it's the team that wants it the most that wins, and it sounds cliché, but I think today was a clear example of that," he said.

"You can see it in their body language. The South African players were hungry."

She went on to compare the performance against South Korea to Bafana's opening defeat against Mexico, insisting that Broos' side had evolved significantly as the tournament progressed.

"They were fighting for every ball, they were taking risks going forward, and on the other end, South Korea felt, for moments, complacent with their performance," Joy added.

"This was not the same South African side that Mexico faced on matchday one, so I'm very, very happy for them.

"You could see what it meant to them after the game, how they were embracing with the coach, with each other, and just how much this means to an entire country.

"And this is what makes football so beautiful. It's not just a game, it's not just three points, it's not just scoring in the back of the net; it's hope for an entire country."

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Having booked their place in the knockout stages, South Africa will now turn their attention to the Round of 32 as they continue what is already shaping up to be the greatest FIFA World Cup campaign in the country's history.