Ronwen Williams shows leadership qualities in Sundowns win and Bafana Bafana hopes

Ronwen Williams underlined his importance to both Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana by keeping a clean sheet, winning the Player of the Match award and inspiring a 2-0 victory over Milford.

The result moved Sundowns, known as the Brazilians, level on 13 points with Betway Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates. Williams’ performance also provided a timely response after the team’s defence had faced criticism for conceding goals in recent matches.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper was quick to shift attention away from his own display, instead praising his team-mates for protecting their goal. Sundowns have made a strong start to the league campaign and the MTN8, where they will meet Orlando Pirates in the final on 10 October.

Williams’ comments after the match, however, revealed the wider role he continues to play in South African football. The Bafana Bafana captain used the opportunity to encourage fellow goalkeepers from across the Betway Premiership, highlighting his influence beyond the Sundowns dressing room.

“It’s not only here, but in the whole league,” Williams said. “I want Sipho Chaine (of Orlando Pirates) to keep going and doing his best. I want Brandon Petersen (of Kaizer Chiefs) to keep going and doing his best. He was amazing last season, and while he’s going through things now, he’ll bounce back. That’s the nature of the beast.”

He also spoke about the changing status of goalkeepers in South African football and insisted the progress was a collective achievement rather than a personal one.

“I am proud of all the goalkeepers, and I will keep encouraging them. We must keep pushing. We have changed the way goalkeepers are viewed now, pushing the position ever higher. I am just one man, but this is for all the goalkeepers.”

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso praised Williams for the way he handles pressure and said his record deserves greater recognition. Cardoso was speaking during his post-match news conference at Loftus Versfeld.

“Ronwen knows the support he has from the coaching staff,” Cardoso added during his post-match press conference at Loftus Versfeld. “He’s very strong when dealing with pressure. Usually, his best performances come when the stakes are high.”

Cardoso pointed to Williams’ contribution during the previous season, when the goalkeeper faced criticism before the Champions League final but delivered when it mattered most.

“I remember last season, before the Champions League final, there was criticism, but he showed up. That penalty save probably played a huge role in us securing our second star.”

Williams is already among the most successful captains in Bafana Bafana history. During his time leading the national side, he has helped them win a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations and reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time.

There will eventually be a point when Williams no longer wears the Bafana Bafana captain’s armband. For now, though, he remains the expected leader as the team prepares to begin a new era in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers under newly appointed coach Pitso Mosimane this month.

His authority has been evident not only in goal but also in the way he conducts himself before and after matches. Each performance and public address further reinforces the view that Williams remains an exemplary leader for both Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa.

Photograph: Backpagepix