Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has reflected on his remarkable journey at Chloorkop in his debut season with the Brazilians.
Williams joined Sundowns from SuperSport United in July 2022 and has gone on to cement his place in the starting line up pipping Denis Onyango, Reyaad Pieterse and Kennedy Mweene for the number one spot.
The 31-year-old went on to make 38 appearances across all competitions while conceding 23 goals and keeping 22 cleans sheets in his debut season for the Brazilians.
Williams also played a crucial role in helping Sundowns secure their 13th and sixth straight DStv Premiership title as well as helping them reach the semi-finals of the Caf Champions League.
The Bafana Bafana captain has since expressed his gratitude to his teammates and everyone at the club for his success, especially after being named Goalkeeper of the Season.
“It feels amazing, that’s the reason why I joined Mamelodi Sundowns because they pride themselves in winning and being Champions,” Williams told his club’s official website.
“It’s an amazing feeling and I am proud of myself for persevering and not giving up, because things were difficult for me, there were lots of doubts but I kept going and kept working, this is just the reward for not giving up.”
“Over the last few years it became a second nature to Sundowns to win the league and to win Cups.
“I knew coming here wasn’t going to be easy but that it’s possible. If there’s one team that you can be certain to do well and win it’s Mamelodi Sundowns.”
Since joining Sundowns, Williams was in impressive form and managed to break Moeneeb Josephs’ 17 clean sheet record after keeping 18 clean sheets during the 2022-23 season.
“It’s a collective, at Sundowns we pride ourselves in team work, there’s no individual that can do it by themselves. We score together, we defend together, it’s credit to each and every player that’s on the field, even to the analysts and technical team for giving us information,” he added.
We go into the game knowing we have a clear plan as to the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses, we know how to deal with their threats.
“I was confident in my abilities, and speaking to the technical team as well gave me assurance. They didn’t assure me that I was going to be number one, they said I need to come here and compete and everyone is going to get a fair chance.
“When I came here I received a warm welcome from the team and it helped me to settle in. I just knew that once I get going and I feel comfortable around the players and understand the work that I need to do, then they will give me the chance and lucky for me they did give me the chance and I grabbed it with both hands.”
Photo by Nour Akanja/BackpagePix
