Williams Reflects On A Year Of Unprecedented Success
Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, admits he hasn’t had time to fully reflect on his remarkable 2024 achievements.
Williams enjoyed a stellar year, contributing significantly to both club and country. He played a crucial role in Bafana Bafana’s bronze medal finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, earning him the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award and a place in the Team of the Tournament.
At club level, he guided Sundowns to victory in the inaugural African Football League, being named the Player of the Tournament. He also clinched the PSL Footballer of the Year award, becoming only the third goalkeeper to achieve this feat after Andre Arendse and Itumeleng Khune.
Williams received global recognition, being shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or Yachine Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper. Although he ultimately lost to Emiliano Martinez, he became the first African goalkeeper to be nominated for this prestigious award. He was also nominated for the FIFA FIFPro World XI but did not make the final cut.
At the 2024 CAF Awards, Williams garnered significant recognition, winning both the CAF Inter Club Player of the Season and the CAF Player of the Year (Based in Africa) awards. While he narrowly missed out on the main CAF Footballer of the Year award, which went to Ademola Lookman, his achievements were undeniable.
“I tried to reflect on it but in our world, it is not possible,” said Williams.
“Because there is always another game, there is always the next one. We don’t have a break. I didn’t really have that moment to think.
“But I made my Instagram post for New Year’s Day that when it hits me. It has been an amazing few years for me and I’m just proud.
“But once again, I couldn’t have done it alone. So many people behind the scenes helped me – the club, the players, the national team coach, the players at Bafana Bafana and we just need to keep going.”
Bafana Bafana will once again be part of the draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco on Monday. The tournament, scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026, will feature 24 teams divided into six groups.
Williams, who earned his 50th cap for Bafana Bafana when they beat Sudan in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in November, said Bafana Bafana will be in better shape now because they have accumulated experience of last year’s AFCON in Ivory Coast.
“On the draw, there is nothing we can do,” said Williams.
“We know it is the best of the best and whoever is there, we need to prepare accordingly. We have got experience now, we have tasted what AFCON is about and the players are doing well.
“The coach Hugo Broos knows what needs to be done in order to be successful at the AFCON. We have tested that; we are fully behind him and we got a good thing going now.
“Hopefully, 11 months from now when the tournament starts, everyone will be healthy, and fresh so that we can go there all out with all our soldiers.”
