South Africans have showered Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with praise.Photo: FRANCK FIFE / AFP
South Africans have showered Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, with praise after he was named among 10 goalkeepers nominated for the prestigious Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards.
Williams is the first South African, to be nominated for the award and the first African goalkeeper to be nominated while playing his football on African soil.
The shot-stopper's nomination comes after his impressive displays in the colours of the national team during the Afcon tournament in Côte d'Ivoire earlier this year where he helped Bafana claim a bronze medal.
Ronza; No DNA, just RSA! 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦pic.twitter.com/MDmcNmpysc
— TotalEnergiesCAFCL & TotalEnergiesCAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) September 4, 2024
Williams was also impressive for his club Mamelodi Sundowns, and also helped the side clinch the Betway Premiership last season.
Williams was also named as the best goalkeeper in Africa after the completion of the Afcon tournament.
Following his nomination fans took X to praise the reigning South African footballer of the year.
SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt, who handed Williams his senior debut in 2011 during his time at Matsatsantsa said Williams nomination was ‘unreal’.
“Wow 👏👏 unreal @ronwen30 🇿🇦🔥” Hunt posted on X.
Wow 👏![CDATA[]]>👏 unreal @ronwen30 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦![CDATA[]]>🔥 https://t.co/DZsMMr9Nem
— Gavin John Hunt (@gavinjohnhunt12) September 4, 2024
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates congratulated Williams on his historic nomination.
“Big congrats to @Masandawana and @BafanaBafana🧤,@ronwen30 on your Yashine 🏆 nod! 🇿🇦 #NationalPride”
Big congrats to @Masandawana and @BafanaBafana 🧤, @ronwen30 on your Yashine 🏆 nod! 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 #NationalPride
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) September 5, 2024
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/rNIFHYKLy5
Williams former club SuperSport United also took to X congratulate their former player.
“Huge congratulations on your 2024 Yachine Trophy nomination Skipper! @ronwen30 🇿🇦💙🧤”
While @TboyMP hailed Williams as the best goalkeeper South Africa has ever produced.
“The best ever in SA and Africa!! Ronwen Williams is a Ballon d'Or nominee!! 🙌🙌🙌🇿🇦”
Well known film director Ofentse Mwase also congratulated Williams for his nomination stating that South Africans in win every department.
“South Africa’s Best Ronwen Williams has been selected as a Nominee to receive this Years Ballon D’Or for Best Goalkeeper! We win in every department , it’s the Standard! Congratulations 🇿🇦 .No DNA 🧬 Just RSA 🇿🇦”
@Nozulelasays
IOL Sport