Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has commented on goalkeeper Veli Mothwa's error during the AFCON qualifier against Uganda.
Mothwa was given the opportunity to play in the absence of Williams, who has been recovering from an injury for quite some time.
Unfortunately, he was unable to prevent Uganda's second goal, a long-range shot from Rogers Mato that was taken shortly after crossing the halfway line.
As a result, South Africa found themselves trailing 2-1 until the dying moments of the match. Fortunately, Thalente Mbatha stepped up to score a late equaliser, securing a point for Hugo Broos' team.
In an interview with Marawa Sports Worldwide on 947 FM, Williams highlighted the positive aspect of the situation, noting that Mothwa demonstrated resilience despite the mistake.
He also expressed concern that Mothwa's performance may have been impacted by the lack of competitive matches, as AmaZulu FC has yet to participate in any official games this season.
RONWEN WILLIAMS HAS HIS SAY ON VELI MOTHWA’S BLUNDER
“What I liked about it is that right after that, he was himself again,” noted Williams.
“Maybe he's learned over the years – and I have learned – that when I would make a mistake, it would dwell [in my mind] and I would make another mistake.
“I think over the years, it's more experience where [When] you make a mistake, you just let it go, you forget about it and you just focus on the next action because if you let the focus [be] down… It's still 2-1, you are still in the game. Like I said, that point is important.
“So, for me, it was good to see him just being his normal self after that and just playing the game. I feel for him because this was an opportunity [for him] to play. He has not played in a long time.
“But it was really difficult for him as well. He has not played a competitive game [for AmaZulu], he has not played a competitive game in a very long time, like all of us. So, it was difficult.
“But knowing him, he will be strong and he will overcome it and knowing the coach [Hugo Broos[ as well, how supportive he is of us as a team and as players… and he loves Veli so much.
“I know that he will put his arm around him and make him feel that he is still massively part of the team.”
