Cardoso: I Can’t Criticise Williams After Costly Error
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says he will not criticise goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after the Bafana Bafana captain was dispossessed in the 1–1 draw against Siwelele at Dr. Molemela Stadium on Wednesday.
A poor back pass from Kegan Johannes put Williams under pressure, allowing Tebogo Potsane to rob him of the ball. The former Kaizer Chiefs winger then squared for Vincent Pule, who slotted into an empty net in the 26th minute to give Siwelele a surprise lead.
Sundowns eventually found an equaliser through Lebo Mothiba, who tapped home after a moment of miscommunication between himself and Iqraam Rayners in the build-up.
It was Mothiba’s first PSL goal and his second overall for the club following his debut strike against Borussia Dortmund at the FIFA Club World Cup in June.
The draw prevented Sundowns from reclaiming top spot from Orlando Pirates. Pirates sit on 28 points from 12 matches, while Sundowns remain second with 26 points from 13 matches.
Despite the costly error, Cardoso defended Williams, questioning how he could blame a player of his stature. Williams, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest modern goalkeepers, has been nominated for CAF Goalkeeper of the Year for the past two years, winning the award in 2024, and was also named CAF Interclub Player of the Year.
Williams also made history last year by becoming the first Africa-based goalkeeper to be nominated for the Yashin Trophy. Although he missed out on this year’s CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award to Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, Cardoso said his achievements speak for themselves.
“We have a goalkeeper that last year was the best goalkeeper in Africa,” said Cardoso.
“We have the goalkeeper that this season was nominated in Africa in the last three [two] years. He has been a national goalkeeper, I think, for several years.
“He doesn’t need any comments, any negative appreciation, he just needs respect, and that’s all I give to him.”
With Wednesday’s match marking Sundowns’ final fixture of 2025, Cardoso also took a moment to wish Bafana Bafana well ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026.
Bafana, grouped with Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe, will be aiming to progress from a competitive Group B.
“Before we finish, I want to send my best wishes to the national team of South Africa,” said Cardoso.
He also extended well-wishes to the Masandawana family, noting that several Sundowns players—Themba Zwane, Thapelo Morena, Fawaaz Basadien, and Malibongwe Khoza—have suffered long-term injuries and were unfortunately unavailable for national team consideration.
“As Mamelodi Sundowns coaches, we totally support the national team of South Africa. We wish them the best at AFCON. I also wish all South Africans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
