DOUBLE DELIGHT FOR AFRICA’S NUMBER ONE

Written by: Kamogelo Mogale

Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has been crowned Africa’s number as he was awarded Interclub player of the year and goalkeeper of the year at the CAF Awards, which were held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday evening.

The Gqeberha born player had a night to remember as he was awarded the best Interclub player of the year ahead of Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed (Egypt/Zamalek), and Hussein Al Shahat (Egypt/Al Ahly) and a tightly contested goalkeeper of the year accolade ahead of Andre Onana (Cameroon/Manchester United), and Yahia Fofana (Cote d’Ivoire/Angers SCO).

Meanwhile, Williams missed out on the biggest award, African player of the year, which was won by Ademola Looman of Nigeria/Atalanta. The Sundowns’ shot-stopper had a year of a stellar performance for both club and country with accolades such as the DStv premiership, African football league, African football league best goalkeeper, AFCON bronze medal, AFCON best goalkeeper, PSL footballer of the season, DStv goalkeeper of the season, COSAFA Men’s goalkeeper of the year, and Yachine trophy nominee.

“Ronza”, as he is affectionately known, thanked those who supported him in his career thus far.

“Thank you so much to CAF for this recognition, it’s been an amazing year for me,” said Williams.

“But I couldn’t have done it alone. Thank you to all the players, coaches, technical who have been with me throughout my career.”

“But I want to take this opportunity and dedicate this award to all the goalkeeper coaches that I’ve worked with throughout my career, starting when I was a little boy – Mouks Cameleo, Grant Johnson, Deshi Bhaktawer, Andre Arendse, Williams Shongwe, Lucky Shiburi, Lee Baxter, Wendell Robinson, and the legend himself Kennedy Mweene.”

“I’m forever indebted to you guys, thank you for moulding me into the goalkeeper and the player that I am today.”