MTNFootball

1996 Africa Cup of Nations hero Mark Williams believes South Africa need to make the most of home advantage and get off to a fast start with a win in their opening match if they are to succeed at the 2013 AFCON.

Williams, who scored a brace in the 1996 final against Tunisia to see Bafana Bafana lift the Nations Cup trophy on their tournament debut, says the present team needs to be sharper up front, but admits they boast a strong midfield area and have an excellent goalkeeper in Itumeleng Khune.

“In midfield we have a lot of talent. We have plenty of players who want the ball and are good on the ball,” said Williams.

“But I want to see players going forward with the ball far more. Too many midfielders go sideways with the ball.”

Williams added, “On the positive side, I think our goalkeeper is very strong. Khune is one of the best around Africa and this is fantastic for us.”

South Africa face Cape Verde Islands on Saturday in the tournament opener. They then face Angola and Morocco in Group A.