Downs shot stopper nomination as one of 10 best goalkeepers in the world
Ronwen Williams has played a huge role in ensuring that Bafana Bafana made history by claiming third place at Afcon.
Gqeberha-born shot stopper, Bafana Bafana captain and Mamelodi Sundowns star Ronwen Williams became the first SA player to be nominated for the prestigious Yashin Trophy at the annual Ballon d’Or football awards.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper has played an exceptional role in both Sundowns and Bafana in recent years.
He is however currently being sidelined due to injury and will unfortunately miss Bafana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan.
Through his excellent performance in the goalpost, he has helped Sundowns secure the inaugural African Football League and the 2023/24 Premiership title.
During this time, Williams conceded just 19 goals and kept 30 clean sheets, a testament to his remarkable consistency and skill.
His extraordinary form earned him the AFL Goalkeeper of the Tournament and the PSL Goalkeeper of the Season accolades, cementing his reputation as one of the finest goalkeepers in African football.
Williams’ star shone brightest on the continental stage in February when he showcased his extraordinary penalty-saving skills in Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Cape Verde.
Williams has been nominated alongside top footballers, such as Fifa World Cup-winning best goalkeeper Argentine star Emiliano Martínez and Portuguese keeper Diogo Costa, among others.
The nominees of the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards were revealed on Wednesday evening, with Williams appearing in the final 10-man for the Yashin Trophy category.
His heroics, which included saving four penalties, were instrumental in propelling Bafana to a historic bronze medal – South Africa’s best Afcon finish since 2000.
He also walked away with the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
Williams has been a gem to watch, both domestically and at continental level.
https://x.com/ballondor/status/1831370815142817811
He has been nominated due to his exploits for both Bafana Bafana and Masandawana.
Williams ensured that the Tshwane giants won the inaugural African Football League and the Premier Soccer League in the 2023/24 season.
He received the Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade after a splendid performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast earlier this year.
He played a huge role in ensuring that Bafana Bafana made history by claiming third place at Afcon.
The winner of the Yashin Trophy will be announced during the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris on October 28.
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