Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno says he’s taking inspiration from South Africa’s number one, Ronwen Williams. He admires the calmness that the Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana international possesses.

Otieno, who joined Bay from ZESCO United during the off-season, has quickly established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. He has featured in seven of Bay’s nine matches across all competitions and is set to start in goal when Brandon Truter’s side faces Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout semifinal at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

Salim Magoola is unavailable for the Carling Knockout due to religious reasons, as the tournament is sponsored by alcohol. Additionally, Magoola has been dealing with an injury and did not train with the team on Thursday during their media day.

While developing his own game, Otieno has been paying close attention to Williams’ performances at Sundowns. Williams made history last season by becoming the third goalkeeper in the PSL era to win the Footballer of the Season award.

He also earned the Africa Cup of Nations Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, was named in the AFCON Team of the Year, and was nominated for the Ballon d’Or Yachine Award, the first South African and African goalkeeper to achieve this honor while plying his trade in Africa.

“A calm goalkeeper who gives his team confidence,” Otieno told Sportswire. “I believe I’m also calm in my own way, but I’m not like Williams because he’s the best in Africa. Every goalkeeper has their own unique skills and style.”

Interestingly, Otieno could potentially face Williams in the Carling Knockout final on 23 November at Toyota Stadium, if Bay defeats Magesi and Sundowns overcome Marumo Gallants in the other semifinal.

When asked about the possibility of facing Williams in the final, Otieno expressed his enthusiasm: “I’d be very happy to play against him because it would give me another opportunity to learn from him,” he said.