Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams looks up to the heavens at Afcon 2023. Image: X.
‘Bafana Bafana skipper Williams is actually a striker’
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams will lead his nation out in the AFCON semi-finals. There are claims he’s a pretty good striker too.
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams looks up to the heavens at Afcon 2023. Image: X.
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams made AFCON history with four saves in a penalty shootout against Cape Verde. However, his father insists that deep down he’s a striker.
ICYMI: Huge potential blow for Nigeria ahead of AFCON semi with Bafana Bafana
Ronwen Williams does Bafana Bafana proud
Williams saved four of Cape Verde’s five spot-kicks in their AFCON quarter-final win in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire. The Bafana keeper’s father Rodney watched on nervously as South Africa reached their first semi-final in this tournament in 24 years.
“Yoh, it was hectic. I was clinching onto the TV. But I had no doubt in my mind, that he was going to save at least one or two – but not four, no. That was outstanding,” Rodney told the truBreakfast team on Monday.
“I was very proud of him, as a father, knowing where he came from – as a little boy, he left PE [Gqeberha] at the age of 12, and went to Jo’burg to join SuperSport United.
“Yoh, it wasn’t easy, really, it wasn’t easy to leave your son, your baby son, to go into the world. But, at the end of the day, it was worth it.”
AFCON STARS: Meet Nigeria’s R2.2 Billion man, Victor Osimhen
Rodney Williams says son Ronwen is a striker
Ronwen’s father maintains that the football world is yet to see how accomplished his son is as a goal-scorer.
“Ronwen was at about the age of seven when he joined Shatterprufe Rovers [amateur club in Gqeberha], but not as a goalkeeper, as a striker. He started as a striker, and that is what many people don’t know,” he added.
“I wish that one day he will get a chance to play in-field, then South Africa will see the different side of Ronwen – I can guarantee you, he’s a striker.”
Williams will lead Bafana out against Nigeria on Wednesday night to contest an AFCON semi-final, and his dad will no doubt be watching with nervous pride.
OPINION: Three Bafana stars who could land big moves after AFCON
AFCON: Three Nigerian danger-men for Bafana to fear
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.
Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates.
