Bafana Bafana captain, Ronwen Williams, achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday, 20 November 2024 when he earned his 50th international cap against South Sudan in an AFCON qualifier.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to Williams’s dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to South African football. From his humble beginnings to becoming a global star, his journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
Williams’s debut for Bafana Bafana in 2014 was a tough one, as the team suffered a heavy defeat against Brazil. However, he has since emerged as one of the continent’s top goalkeepers, demonstrating exceptional leadership and consistently delivering outstanding performances.
More recently, he guided South Africa through six AFCON qualifiers without seeing defeat. Speaking after Bafana Bafana’s 3 nil triumph over South Sudan, Williams told SABC Sport,
“This is a wonderful moment for me, for my family who’s been on the journey with me,”
“It hasn’t been an easy journey. The start to my international stage was a tough one. I had to endure and push through. There were so many doubts, but I think that game [5-0 defeat to Brazil] made me what I am today.
“That turned a boy into a man at such an young age [22], and I knew I had to fight and dig deep. And I’m just proud of myself for not giving up for perservering and keep fighting.
“This is a wonderful achievement,” he added.
When asked if Bafana Bafana could be counted among the continent’s best, the 32-year old said:
“I’m just glad now that South Africa is back on the map. Back where we belong.
“We’ve had an amazing year. Amazing few years and we just need to keep going.
“This atmosphere is amazing. Bringing the country, uniting the country. That’s more important.
“Just seeing all the smiles and happiness in the country is just amazing,” he further said.
Joining an elite group of South African football legends, including Neil Tovey, John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu, Phil Masinga, Lucas Radebe, and more recently, Themba Zwane, Williams’s name is now etched in the annals of South African football history.
His recent accolades, including a nomination for the Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy and being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, further solidify his status as a world-class goalkeeper.