Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams says the squad was not happy with what transpired at the start of camp this weekend.
The bulk of the squad reported for camp early due to the league being off for the MTN8 final with just Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch players reporting on Sunday.
However, Stellies midfielder Jayden Adams was eventually dropped and replaced with Sinoxolo Kwayiba due to disciplinary issues.
Bathusi Aubaas also returned to the fold, replacing the injured Thalante Mbatha’s, suffered during their 3-1 win over the Cape Winelands outfit.
“We weren’t happy at the start of the camp, there was a lot of instability, a lot of changes that were happening, and that’s unlike us,” Williams said.
“We pride ourselves on professionalism and doing the right things because that has paved the way for the success we’ve had over the last few years. We had to have a debrief as players, to go back to basics again, and continue doing the right things.”
Williams suggested they also expressed their unhappiness with the leaky defence of late and something they are aiming to rectify, starting against Congo Brazzaville tomorrow.
“The right things work for us, as players. I think it’s time we forget about AFCON, because since AFCON, if you do a debrief, we have conceded 10 goals in six games, that’s unlike us, so it’s for us to put AFCON aside and focus on qualifying for AFCON 2025 and the World Cup.
“So there’s been a change in mentality and you could see it this week in training once the team was together, the team spirit was there again, the brotherhood, the joy the happiness it’s been there.
“The new players have settled in well – they have been looking and we’re just looking forward to the game tomorrow and just like to urge Eastern Cape, Gqeberha to come out and support, show the love and support to the boys tomorrow night.”
