Kaizer Chiefs legend William Shongwe has made a striking comparison, weighing in on Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams alongside international stars such as Manchester United’s Andre Onana and Edouard Mendy of Al Ahli.
Williams has been the subject of much discussion recently, following his nomination for the prestigious Yachine Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards. This recognition stems from his stellar performances for both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, earning him widespread acclaim.
In an interview, Shongwe praised Williams while confidently asserting that the Sundowns goalkeeper is currently the best in Africa.
“Everybody coached Ronwen going forward, but I was the springboard. It’s a foundation that counts when you build a house, you always owe it to the foundation that built it,”
Shongwe remarked during his conversation with *KickOff*.
He went on to reflect on his own role in Williams’ development:
“I might not have been the best goalkeeper coach, but there are things that I built, things I still feel even now I can contribute. I’m proud of Ronwen, and I just want to say congratulations. I just hope those Europeans out there do justice this time around when voting.”
Shongwe also touched on past frustrations with African representation in global football awards. He referenced Oscarine Masuluke, a South African goalkeeper who made headlines for scoring an extraordinary goal, but ultimately did not receive the recognition many felt he deserved.
“Oscarine Masuluke once scored a very unique goal as a goalkeeper, but it was taken away from him. But maybe we don’t vote enough, that is where we let ourselves down as Africans. Maybe these overseas people understand technology better than us, so they use it to their advantage by voting for their people. They are in the space of technology,”
Shongwe explained.
He did not shy away from the challenges Williams faces in the competition for the Yachine Trophy but remained optimistic about the goalkeeper’s potential.
“But here is our very own Ronwen Williams who has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is a star. Yes, the chances are very slim considering the competition he is faced with, but we must try our best because it’s not gonna just happen,”
Shongwe said.
Shongwe, known affectionately as ‘Cool Cat,’ compared Williams favourably to both Edouard Mendy and Andre Onana, highlighting Williams’ current form.
“Edouard Mendy was the best African goalkeeper when he was at Chelsea, but he has since faded away from this thing,”
Shongwe stated, before adding:
“Andre Onana is also fumbling every week at Manchester United. He first let his country down by arriving late for the AFCON in Ivory Coast, so there are discipline problems there. So, Ronwen has raised his hand by far, he is better than any goalkeeper in Africa at the moment, including those two.”
Williams’ nomination for the Yachine Trophy places him in elite company, alongside notable goalkeepers such as FIFA World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez and Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa, among others. At 32 years of age, Williams has amassed significant achievements, not just at the club level but also on the international stage.
Earlier this year, Williams played an instrumental role in helping Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana side secure a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. His contribution was recognised as he was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Williams’ success has also been pivotal in Sundowns’ achievements, helping them win both the Premier Soccer League and the inaugural African Football League last season.
As the October 28 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris approaches, Williams will be hoping for more than just recognition. He aims to become the first African goalkeeper to win the Yachine Trophy, a feat that would mark a historic moment for South African football.
Currently, Williams is sidelined due to injury, but he remains hopeful of making a swift recovery and returning to the field soon. The Bafana Bafana captain will no doubt be eager to continue his fine form, which has placed him at the forefront of African football.
While the competition for the Yachine Trophy is undeniably fierce, the hope remains that Williams’ consistent performances and leadership qualities will be recognised on the global stage.
