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Ronwen Williams, a celebrated legend of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns, has shared his enthusiasm regarding his nomination for the CAF Footballer of the Year award, marking a remarkable milestone for someone who faced various challenges during his upbringing in Port Elizabeth.
Williams is in the running alongside distinguished players such as Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria).
On Thursday, the goal was to narrow down the nominees to three, but CAF encountered difficulties in making a decision due to the intense competition among the panel members.
This scenario adds to the anticipation surrounding one of the most fiercely contested awards in history, featuring five outstanding candidates vying for a place in the history of African football.
The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Palais des Congrès in Morocco on Monday, commencing at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT/20:00 Cairo time/21:00 East African time).
CAF recognized Williams for his exceptional penalty saves during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023, which were instrumental in South Africa winning the bronze medal.
The team achieved significant victories, notably defeating Morocco in the round of 16, with Williams’ remarkable performances in penalty shootouts against Cape Verde and DR Congo proving crucial. He also played a key role in South Africa’s qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2025 and has received a nomination for FIFA’s Best Goalkeeper in 2024.
The 32-year-old played a vital role in ensuring that Sundowns maintained a shared record low of 11 goals conceded in 30 matches in the South African Premiership, as The Brazilians secured their record-extending seventh consecutive domestic league title along with the African Football League.
“Achieving this nomination is an extraordinary personal milestone,” Williams commented, who is also a contender for the CAF Inter-club Player of the Year and CAF Goalkeeper of the Year.
“I couldn’t have done this by myself. The number of clean sheets we recorded last year showcases our collective effort.
“We invested a significant amount of time in analyzing our opponents and identifying their weaknesses, which was crucial.
“I take pride in representing South Africa and aspire to inspire the next generation. A person who has faced numerous obstacles is now considered for the best goalkeeper in Africa.
“I hope this encourages others to dream big. With the right mindset and determination, great things can be accomplished. I have persevered throughout my career, and I’m now enjoying the fruits of my labor.
“It’s astonishing and incredible. Our WhatsApp group was buzzing with excitement (on Thursday); it’s a happy moment for everyone involved.
“I feel privileged to be alongside these remarkable players. Being nominated alongside world-class talents as a goalkeeper from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, holds great significance for me.
“This fuels my motivation to keep believing, pushing forward, and inspiring South Africans to aspire to that level.”
The winner will succeed Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who is not nominated this year.
If Williams takes the title, he will be the first South African to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award.
