sportskeeda
Captain Ronwen Williams of Bafana Bafana has shared his thoughts on his impressive three nominations for the 2024 CAF Awards, which are set to take place on Monday evening in Marrakech, Morocco.
Following a hard-fought 1-0 win against Raja Casablanca in the CAF Champions League group stage on Sunday, the Mamelodi Sundowns captain arrived in Morocco, where he will soon learn the results of his nominations at Africa’s most prestigious football awards event.
Williams is nominated for the 2024 Yashin Trophy and is competing for the Goalkeeper of the Year, CAF Inter-Club Player of the Year, and the esteemed CAF Player of the Year award.
In a field that includes four players from European clubs, the 32-year-old stands out as the only nominee from Africa in the Player of the Year category, going up against Simon Adingra, Serhou Guiassy, Achraf Hakimi, and Ademola Lookman.
Reflecting on what he describes as an extraordinary year, the South African Player of the Year conveyed his feelings as he anticipates this important milestone in his career.
“I have arrived in Marrakech, Morocco, and I’m excited for the CAF Awards ceremony this evening. Being nominated for three awards is a tremendous honor; it’s been an incredible year, and I’m delighted to be recognized among the best,” Williams stated.
The former captain of SuperSport United will also be representing both his club and national team, each nominated for Club of the Year and National Team of the Year.
Under his leadership, his club secured an unprecedented seventh consecutive league title in the South African top division, while he played a vital role in Bafana Bafana achieving their best CAF result in 22 years, finishing third and earning a bronze medal at this year’s postponed Africa Cup of Nations. His team, Sundowns, also clinched the title in the African Football League.
Speaking like a true leader, Williams mentioned that the two team awards are the ones he anticipates the most, even more than his three individual nominations.
“However, I am particularly looking forward to the Club of the Year and National Team of the Year awards. South African football has enjoyed a remarkable year, and we have put in tremendous effort to place ourselves among the elite. I genuinely hope that Mamelodi Sundowns wins Club of the Year and that Bafana Bafana takes home National Team of the Year,” said the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world according to the Ballon d’Or.
In closing, the PSL goalkeeper of the season expressed his gratitude for the support he has received: “Thank you so much for all the kind wishes. I’ve noticed and appreciated all your messages, and I hope to make you all proud.”
