The pain and criticism following Bafana Bafana’s failure to qualify for the 2021 Afcon finals drove Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to work harder to help the team not miss out on the tournament again.
“Not qualifying for the 2021 Afcon was a painful experience. The critique we faced drove me to vow never to experience that pain again. But it fuelled my determination and commitment to the sport,” Williams said in an interview with Sunday World this week.
It is now history that Bafana Bafana qualified for the 2024 Afcon and reached the semi-finals, with Williams’ heroics earning him title of Goalkeeper of the Tournament. His antics included making crucial saves in penalty shoot-outs on the way to the semifinal.
His heroics included a record four penalty saves against Cape Verde and another two against DR Congo.
Last week, Williams added more accolades and trophies to his already brimming trophy cabinet after he won the coveted DSTV Premiership Footballer of the Season and the Goalkeeper of the Season awards.
The Gqeberha-born shot stopper opened up and says that a unique perspective on handling pressure in high-stakes moments and his insights into maintaining a mental
well-being while performing at the top level of professional sports are invaluable.
He says that aspiring athletes must be able to overcome challenges and to fuel their passion for the beautiful game of football. He remembers how in his first match for Bafana in 2014, they were trounced by Brazil, with Neymar leading the onslaught in a 5-0 pummelling in Johannesburg.
Neymar, a former Barcelona star, scored a hat-trick, with Fernandinho and Oscar each grabbing a goal past Africa’s current goalkeeper. For most, Williams’ international career was almost over but he bounced back. He was 21 at the time.
Now 31, he says that walloping was a specific challenge and setback that up-and-coming stars may need to overcome. “Conceding five goals on my debut for Bafana and facing criticism was tough. I had to dig deep, overcome fears, and strengthen my mental resilience.
Today I proudly wear an Afcon ’23 bronze medal with my country,” Williams explained.
“I enjoy every moment of being a pro athlete; the good, the bad, the ups and downs. Importantly, I control what I can, which is my approach to the game. Embracing these experiences helps me enjoy the sport more, even under pressure. Every time I’m out with an injury, it hits deep. That’s when I realise I need to enjoy every moment. The pressures make the game more interesting, and appreciating the journey becomes essential,” he added.
Asked to share a memorable experience which was a turning point in his career, Williams says it was when he finally took over the captain’s armband. “Being given the armband to lead Bafana Bafana was a significant moment. It shifted my focus from just myself and my teammates to the entire nation.”
Ronwen Williams
2023/24 statistics:
DStv Premiership:
Appearances 22
Clean sheets 8
Goals conceded 8
Yellow cards 4
MTN8:
Appearances 4
Clean sheets 2
Goals conceded 2
Yellow cards 0
Nedbank Cup:
Appearances 3
Clean sheets 0
Goals conceded 4
Yellow cards 0
Caf Champions League:
Appearances 11
Clean sheets 8
Goals conceded 3
Yellow cards 1
Africa Cup of Nations:
Appearances 7
Clean sheets 5
Goals conceded 3
Yellow cards 1
African Football League:
Appearances 6
Clean sheets 5
Goals conceded 2
Yellow cards 1
