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Ronwen Williams, the goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns, conveyed his belief in the team’s potential, despite the widespread doubt about their prospects in the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
As the captain of Bafana Bafana, Williams played a pivotal role in Sundowns’ 1-0 aggregate victory over ES Esperance, following a scoreless draw in Rades on Tuesday.
This achievement marks Sundowns’ third consecutive semifinal appearance, representing a significant milestone for both the club and South African football in CAF’s premier club competition.
Next, Sundowns will take on their historic rivals, Al Ahly, the reigning champions, in the two-legged semi-finals set for later this month.
“This is a significant accomplishment for both the club and the country; many people were skeptical,” Williams noted on the club’s media channel.
“However, I’ve always said, doubt this team at your own peril, as I see the dedication they put in every day.
“I take pride in being part of this team and witnessing the boys’ eagerness to learn, grow, and strive, as we have never shown this level of commitment before,” he added.
Doubts arose after Sundowns’ sluggish start in the group stages, where they failed to win their first two matches. Consequently, the club’s management decided to part ways with coach Manqoba Mngqithi in December, hiring Miguel Cardoso, who has now successfully guided Sundowns to the semi-finals. Notably, Cardoso was in charge of Esperance last season, where he eliminated Sundowns in the semi-finals before his own exit in October.
“When we beat them at home [during the first leg of the quarter-finals], we changed the narrative of the club, as we had never defeated them before,” Williams remarked.
“Following that home victory, I had a strong feeling that this year belongs to us.
“The coach has been vital; he understands their approach, providing us with crucial insights into their game plan, tactics, and possible scenarios.
“We pinpointed their threats and weaknesses, knowing that the match would be settled by fine details. And that’s exactly what transpired last year.”
The Tshwane giants, who returned on Wednesday, are now preparing to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at Loftus Stadium on Sunday at 18:00.
Article by Kamogelo Ndlovu
