Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has defended Ronwen Williams after the goalkeeper was named Man of the Match in their 2-0 victory over Milford FC on Wednesday evening at the Loftus Versfeld stadium.
The Bafana Bafana captain produced several important saves to help Sundowns secure all three points at home, earning the individual accolade despite facing criticism over his recent performances.
Cardoso believes any criticism directed at the Bafana Bafana captain must be measured against his achievements and contribution to both club and country.
“I think any criticism on Ronwen Williams must be done with a lot of respect.”
The Portuguese coach pointed to Williams’ career and recent achievements as evidence of his quality, including his performances in Sundowns’ run to the CAF Champions League final last season.
“We are speaking about a player whose career speaks for him, his awards speak for him, what he did last year in the Champions League final speaks for him, and what he has done for the country speaks for him.”
Williams responded to the pressure with a strong showing against Milford, making crucial interventions as Sundowns secured a clean sheet.
READ: Mamelodi Sundowns See Off Milford FC to Remain Level on Points with Orlando Pirates
Cardoso believes the goalkeeper’s form will improve further as the team settles into the season.
“Ronwen again showed that he is a high-level qualified goalkeeper and when the team starts settling down the goalkeeper needs to settle down.”
He also acknowledged that some goals conceded earlier in the campaign came from individual errors rather than collective defensive mistakes, insisting the squad remains committed to correcting those issues.
“Some of the goals that were scored against us on the way up until today, they came from individual mistakes and not even team behaviour mistakes and what is important is the level of commitment that we have in all of us so that we can correct them.”
Cardoso also backed the decision to award Williams the Man of the Match prize, highlighting not only his saves but also his leadership and ability to help Sundowns control the game.
“It’s completely valid that he received the Man of the Match because he had some quality interventions, not only in the way that he defended but mostly how he led the team throughout the match in a very positive attitude and the way he connected the game for us.”
“Ronwen knows the support he has from the coach and will always have from the coach, and he’s always very strong at dealing with the pressure and his performances.”
Mamelodi Sundowns’ next league fixture is against Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.