Bafana Bafana's goalkeeper coach, Grant Johnson, has elaborated on the reasons why national team goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stands a “good chance” of winning the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards.
The Mamelodi Sundowns man made history by becoming the first goalkeeper based in Africa to receive a nomination for this esteemed accolade, following a series of outstanding performances this season.
He was nominated along with Diogo Costa (Portugal), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Gregor Kobel (Switzerland), Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Mike Maignan (France), Giorgi Mamarsdashvili (Georgia), Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Unai Simon (Spain) and Yann Sommer (Switzerland).
Johnson feels that Williams' remarkable performances at the AFCON tournament earlier this year have placed him in a favorable position to receive the award.
WHY WILLIAMS HAS ‘GOOD CHANCE’ TO SCOOP YASHINE TROPHY
“Firstly, I don't think people realise how huge it is to be nominated for a Ballon d'Or award,” Johnson told KickOff.
“Ronwen has been nominated, with the opportunity to be the number one goalkeeper in the world.
“There are some huge names on the list of nominees and just to be there is a huge achievement.
“As the first African-based player to be nominated, Ronwen has opened the door for future nominees to be selected.
“He has put African football and goalkeeping, in particular, on the map at the Ballon d'Or Awards.
“After Ronwen's heroics at the AFCON tournament in January this year, not only does he deserve to be there, but he has a very good chance of winning the prestigious Yashin trophy.
“Having worked with Ronwen at youth level, senior level, and the national team, I am extremely proud of his achievements thus far.
“There are numerous coaches and managers who have played a huge role in Ronwen's career, and I'm sure they are extremely proud of him.
“Hopefully, he can bring back the trophy to African soil.”
