Fearless, special Relebohile Mofokeng deserved Bafana debut - Ronwen Williams

Williams played a big role in Mofokeng coming off the bench for a cameo, going as far as convincing coach Hugo Broos to change his initially planned substitution to the Orlando Pirates teenager. 

Just a week earlier, the 19-year-old had beaten Williams in the final minute to help The Buccaneers win the Nedbank Cup title, and he admits the boy is special.

"He deserves it for the season he's had at such a young age, and when I saw and interacted with him in the Bafana camp, he's such a happy spirit who just wants to play football," said Williams.

"There's no ego, there's no sulking, he's just happy and he wants to play football, and I love that. He's different from the rest of the youngsters – he's just happy to have the ball at his feet.

"I was watching him throughout the week [in camp] and I saw how he handles and carries himself, and he just makes me so happy to see him every day – I even get excited to see him, because he's always happy and has a smile on his face."

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Having made his own international debut a decade ago at the age of 22, Williams understands the significance of a young player like Mofokeng getting such a big break in a game as crucial as a World Cup qualifier.

"He's fearless and wants to take on opponents, he wants to play his game, and that's what we want and need from him [in Bafana], so when he came to camp, I said, 'Look, you deserve to be here, just do what you've been doing for your club, and just be you.'

"I'm just glad that he got his debut – I know how important it is for someone to get their debut, and what a day, what an atmosphere for him to come on, and I knew the crowd wanted him [on the pitch]."