Exclusive: CAF Awards Glory Sparks Calls for European Move for Ronwen Williams

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was a deserving recipient of the men’s interclub player and goalkeeper of the year awards, said the proud ex-South African national team goalkeeper mentor.

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams captivated the audience at the 2024 Confederation of African Football Awards by being honoured as the Men’s interclub Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year during the event in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday evening.

For the men’s interclub player accolade, Williams triumphed over Zamalek star Ahmed Zizo and Hussein El Shahat from Al Ahly, whereas in the goalkeeper of the year category, he beat Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana as well as Ivorian Yahia Fofana.

Williams has had an outstanding 2024 calendar year, playing a key role in Hugo Broos' Bafana securing third place at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast earlier this year. Moreover, he helped the national team to qualify for the 2025 Afcon to be held in Morocco.

The 32-year-old man was instrumental in assisting Sundowns to claim the 2023/24 Premier Soccer League title and to advance to the finals of the Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout Cup this year, although they did not succeed in either tournament.

His remarkable performances received international acclaim after he was shortlisted for the Yachine Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d'Or Awards, where he ranked ninth.

De Sa lavishes praise on Williams

Although Williams left with two awards, he did not secure the Player of the Year title, which was claimed by Ademola Lookman of Nigeria and the Italian team Atalanta.

Nonetheless, De Sa expressed great admiration for his South African compatriot for representing Mzansi’s flag on the continental level.

"It's a fantastic achievement, I think it's fantastic to have our goalkeepers working hard and being recognized amongst the best in Africa," De Sa told SportsBoom.com. 

"It was a great pleasure to witness him winning and achieving good things on the continent. He deserves it, he has been impressive this year."

He deserves to play in the European big leagues

De Sa has also expressed a desire for Williams to move from the Betway Premiership powerhouse Sundowns for better opportunities overseas.

The former Qatar national team assistant coach feels that the ex-SuperSport United goalkeeper has demonstrated his capabilities and is prepared for larger challenges outside of South Africa.

"I would like to see him, maybe move to a superior league and see what it's like. There is nothing wrong with him staying at Sundowns and ending his career there, but I think we all want to see him in the big leagues and what could be the next step for him," he wished.

"Let's be honest, at Sundowns, how often did he get tested, he has tested many times and proven himself, he has done well, he has done everything fantastic."

"He has been the number one goalkeeper in the league so he did everything to prove himself," added the erstwhile now-defunct Bidvest Wits tactician."

"I don't know what his complex situation is. I don't know what the club's ambitions are around him, and I'm not sure if the club is ready to replace him, so all those factors have to be considered. But, as a football lover, fan, or whatever, we all like to see the players doing great abroad."

Williams could follow legends' footsteps

"You look at players like Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy, Philemon Masinga, John Shoes Moshoeu, Eric Tinkler, and others, they tested themselves in bigger and better leagues and enjoyed their time," he added.

"But if Ronwen doesn't, he doesn't, there is nothing wrong with him staying at Sundowns and continuing with his great career."

It will be intriguing to see whether Williams ultimately departs from Sundowns or ends his career with the team.

Eight months ago, he secured a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2028, with an additional one-year option for further extension.