Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, has made history, by becoming the first South African to win the Interclub Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year, at the CAF Awards 2024 held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.
The 32-year-old Gqeberha-born goalkeeper, who also captains both club and national team, beat strong competition from Andre Onana (Cameroon/Manchester United) and Yahia Fofana (Cote d’Ivoire/Angers SCO) to be crowned Goalkeeper of the Year.
He again outperformed Ahmed Sayed (Egypt/Zamalek) and Hussein El Shahat (Egypt/Al Ahly) to be named Interclub Player of the Year.
But he however missed out on the biggest prize of the night, the African Footballer of the Year award, which went to Nigeria/Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.
Williams had an excellent 2023/24 season for both club and country, leading Sundowns to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, and Bafana to the AFCON semi-finals.
“This is a wonderful moment for me.
Thank you to CAF for the recognition, and we are grateful to you, guys.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my support staff, my family, my parents, my siblings, brother and sister, my partner, as well as my kids, for being real with me throughout my career,” said an elated Williams.
He also heaped praise at those who helped him achieve the accolades.
“I want to thank all the coaches that I’ve worked with throughout my career.
“It wasn’t easy, but you guys pushed me to be the player that I am today,” said Williams.
Moreover, Williams said the hopes that winning the awards, will inspire millions of South Africans to believe in themselves, “to push boundaries, and never forget your dreams are valid.”
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos missed out in the CAF Coach of the Year award, which was won by Ivory Coast’s Emerse Fae, whose team won this year’s AFCON.
Furthermore, Sundowns Ladies and Banyana Banyana goalkeeper, also lost out in the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, which was won by Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, who plays for Paris FC.
