There will come a time when Ronwen Williams is no longer the Bafana Bafana captain. Until then, the nation should rally behind him, as he embodies what it means to be a true leader of men.
Williams kept a clean sheet and claimed the Player of the Match award after helping Mamelodi Sundowns defeat Milford 2-0, moving the Brazilians level on 13 points with Betway Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates.
The 34-year-old praised his teammates for the performance and the clean sheet, particularly after the defensive unit faced heavy criticism for conceding goals recently – despite their strong start in the league and the MTN8, where they will face Pirates in the final on October 10.
While that was music to the ears of the Masandawana, it was Williams’ special mention of his PSL counterparts that underscored just how much he remains a vital national team asset.
“It’s not only here, but in the whole league,” Williams said. “I want Sipho Chaine (of Orlando Pirates) to keep going and doing his best. I want Brandon Petersen (of Kaizer Chiefs) to keep going and doing his best. He was amazing last season, and while he’s going through things now, he’ll bounce back. That’s the nature of the beast.”
“I am proud of all the goalkeepers, and I will keep encouraging them. We must keep pushing. We have changed the way goalkeepers are viewed now, pushing the position ever higher. I am just one man, but this is for all the goalkeepers.”
Williams’ coach, Miguel Cardoso, was also proud of his goalkeeper’s exploits, arguing that Williams deserves greater respect for his talent and everything he has achieved in South African football over the years.
“Ronwen knows the support he has from the coaching staff,” Cardoso added during his post-match press conference at Loftus Versfeld. “He’s very strong when dealing with pressure. Usually, his best performances come when the stakes are high.”
“I remember last season, before the Champions League final, there was criticism, but he showed up. That penalty save probably played a huge role in us securing our second star.”
Williams remains one of the most successful Bafana captains, having won an Afcon bronze with the team and reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever.
With Bafana set to begin a new era in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers under new coach Pitso Mosimane this month, Williams is expected to remain the team’s leader. He continues to be exemplary with every passing performance, pre and post-match address.
IOL Sport
