SuperSport United defender Clayton Daniels has backed teammate Ronwen Williams to have ‘good success’ as the club’s new captain.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper was recently named Matsatsantsa captain to replace Dean Furman, who left with immediate effect to return to the United Kingdom.
SuperSport currently sit third in the Absa Premiership standings with 40 points from 24 games played so far this season, level with fourth-placed Orlando Pirates.
The Matsatsantsa website conducted a Q&A with the veteran defender:
You have come a long way with Ronwen, do you think he is ready to lead the team?
Yes, we do come a long way me and Ronwen, we are good friends. Also, besides the brotherhood we have on the field, firstly he is more than capable to lead the team. The past three to four years he showed his maturity and it showed in his game becoming number one also at Bafana Bafana level. I’m happy for him, he deserves it more than anyone; he’s been with the club since he was 13. What does it take and what must one do to win your teammates over as a captain? It is the right time for him to lead the team, I feel.
What kind of a player is he? At work and personally?
He is definitely a player you can count on. He is a player that always rises to the occasion; he has a soft personality but when called upon he has everything a leader needs. He thinks before he speaks but when he speaks everyone listens and he’s a man of great quality to have. He also has a funny but strong character that helps with his soft personality, so for me, I’m happy he’s my new captain.
You know the role very well as you also led the team in previous seasons. What does it take and what must one do to win teammates over as a captain?
Absolutely, I have been the captain of the team before, and I have been captain at all the teams I have played for. Over the years I have learned that you have to lead by example on and off the field. Your performance will lift the team and your professionalism will make you win the trust of the players – and I’ve seen that in Ronwen. He’s more than capable of doing that, I can only see good success for him.
Did you play together in the senior national team at some point?
We did play together at national level … at first he was shy to show himself with his capabilities. He was in a mindset that he is No 2 or 3 in the goalkeeping department because of Itumeleng Khune, but as soon as he got his break in the national colours he took it with both hands and he made that No 1 jersey his.
How did you and the entire team react to the news?
Well, we all knew the situation with Dean Furman leaving at the end of the season and we also knew he was vice-captain, so he was next in line. So, I think it’s no secret the coach trusts his players, so it doesn’t matter who puts on the armband on the field of play.
What is your message to him as one of the senior players?
As one of the senior players I will always be there to help him win the players’ trust. He knows I always have his back even though he plays behind my back. Trust is important in any relationship, so I think everyone trusts him with that responsibility, he can only bring out more qualities he has.
And how are you keeping in this lockdown?
I’m holding up but I can’t wait to return to do what I love to do most and that is to play football and to see all the players and coaches and everyone at the club, because that is my family away from home.
