Bafana Bafana captain and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has opened up about the difficult early stages of his career, when he faced criticism from the public due to poor performances at the national team level.
Williams has significantly improved his game in recent seasons, taking over from Itumeleng Khune as the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and making a high-profile move from SuperSport United to one of the big three clubs, Sundowns.
He gained international recognition for his impressive performances at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier this year.
The 32-year-old is one of ten goalkeepers nominated for the Ballon d'Or's Yashin Trophy.
Williams attributes his success to relentless hard work, emphasizing that many doubted his ability to play for Bafana Bafana.
WILLIAMS – ‘I HAD TO PERSEVERE AND FIGHT’
“Things could have easily gone a different way for me, when you look 10 years ago, when we played Brazil, people didn’t want me,” said Williams in an interview with iDiski Times.
“People didn’t think I was ready to play for Bafana Bafana, so I had to persevere, I had to fight, I had to keep going.
“I didn’t give up, I had to keep working hard and learn from the keepers before me, gain valuable experience and that’s just how life is, you know.
“To see that the wheel has turned for me, I cherish it more now, I won’t let it go, I double my efforts, I don’t rest on my laurels.
“All my achievements, for me, I forget about everything that’s just happened, I look forward to what I can achieve next, that’s the attitude I’ve always had.
“This is the mentality of a man who left home as a 12-year-old, approximately two decades ago and he’s now a global football star.”
