Mamelodi Sundowns skipper Ronwen Williams expressed that the loss in the CAF Super Cup to USM Alger is painful, yet they must rally quickly since there is a lot at stake in the 2026/27 season.

Williams made his return to the starting squad after being sidelined for several weeks due to injury, partnered with key midfielder Teboho Mokoena right before the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers versus Kenya.

Both athletes are integral for their club and nation, forming a key part of the team core however, they could not avert an unexpected defeat at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, where the Confederation Cup champions claimed a 3-1 victory over the Champions League victors. “For sure, this is challenging.

This defeat will sting for quite some time,” he remarked in the mixed zone following the match “We need to evaluate as a group where we stand now compared to our past selves.

Returning to that level is essential. Despite the difficulty, we must lift ourselves up. This season will be long. Our focus must be on improving as a unit, and drawing inspiration from each other while continuing to develop.”

Williams, who experienced near misses when Sundowns reached the semi finals and finals of the Champions League before finally succeeding last season, stated that this instance ranks among the greatest letdowns for the team, but it is just part of the sport.

“There have been many positive experiences intertwined with numerous challenges, a lot of painful moments. This is certainly one of those, but we will persist,” he said.

“It is impossible to win every match, yet losing at home is disheartening. We need to regroup and push forward.”

Williams is scheduled to report to the Bafana camp this afternoon to commence training for the home and away matches against the co hosts of AFCON 2027, Kenya, under the guidance of Bafana Bafana icon Benni McCarthy.

Source: idiskitimes.co.za

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Link:https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/african-football/williams-this-one-will-hurt-for-a-very-long-time/