(Left) Stanley Nwabili of Chippa United Image: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix. (Right) South Africa’s goalkeeper #1 Ronwen Williams Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP
What did Stanley Nwabali tell Ronwen Williams before AFCON
Chippa United’s top keeper Stanley Nwabali, had a chat with Ronwen Williams in his hometown before the Africa Cup of Nations.
(Left) Stanley Nwabili of Chippa United Image: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix. (Right) South Africa’s goalkeeper #1 Ronwen Williams Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP
Once again, Premier Soccer League (PSL) talent will be on show as Bafana Bafana and Nigeria are set to compete for a place in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final at Stade de la Paixin (Stadium of Peace) in Bouaké.
In a news conference prior to tonight’s match against the Super Eagles, Bafana Bafana captain and starting goalkeeper Ronwen Williams talked about his close relationship with his Nigerian counterpart, Chippa United’s top keeper Stanley Nwabali.
What did Stanley Nwabali tell Ronwen Williams?
Williams has a fascinating tale about Nwabali to share.
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“Ya, I’m happy for him, and I had a chat with him when we played against each other in Port Elizabeth, and it’s so weird that he told me that I inspire him and the way that he’s playing now, I’m just happy that I can inspire a fellow professional,” Williams said.
“So, tomorrow [Wednesday evening], we’ll share the stage together, and we’ll just go out there and continue doing what we’ve been doing. Try to be the best goalkeepers that we can be. He’s been amazing this season, but tomorrow, hopefully, he can concede so that we can go to the final.”
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Pressure mounts
Williams adds that Bafana Bafana feels pressure as a unit, not as individuals.
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“Not at all. I just do it for my team.
“I’m a team player and it was just for me to give back to the team for the hard work that they’ve done throughout the 120-plus minutes.
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“The desire they had to run, to keep fighting, was tough. Guys were cramping, but they kept fighting, so it was my time to step up,” Williams added.
“I would have loved for the game to end in 90 minutes so that the other players can get the credit but it wasn’t to be. I’m just glad I did my job and that we are in the semifinals but I’m always a calm person, and I prefer the other players to get the recognition, especially the work that they do to run for 130 minutes, almost. It’s not easy, and it shows the desire and the fight we have as a country.”
