Former PSL goalkeeper Tshepo Motsoeneng backs Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams

Former PSL goalkeeper Tshepo Motsoeneng has defended Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after the South Africa international came under scrutiny during the opening weeks of the season.

Williams and Sundowns have conceded five goals in five matches across all competitions, prompting criticism of the goalkeeper’s recent performances. Motsoeneng, however, believes Williams should not be judged solely on what he describes as a temporary dip in form.

“We hope Ronwen remains healthy and performs at his highest potential; we do not wish otherwise. He understands his body better than anyone,” notes Motsoeneng, speaking toKickOff.

Motsoeneng said the Sundowns technical team was best placed to decide whether Williams was fit and ready to play, pointing to the demands placed on players over a long domestic season.

“It is the responsibility of the Sundowns technical team to assess his fitness, as many factors can influence a goalkeeper’s performance. Only the Sundowns coaching staff can determine if he is ready to play.

“Our season spans nearly 11 months, and if a player does not receive adequate rest after participating in the World Cup, issues are likely to arise. Proper management of the player is essential.”

He also argued that Williams remained a young goalkeeper who had earned the benefit of the doubt through his performances since moving to Sundowns.

“Since joining Sundowns, he has been a consistent performer. While Ronwen has conceded goals recently, Sundowns have continued to achieve victories,” Motsoeneng said.

The former goalkeeper added that the protection Williams receives from those in front of him can also influence how he is assessed.

“Performance also depends on whether his teammates provide enough protection for him defensively.

“At SuperSport, Ronwen was renowned for his shot-stopping abilities; at Sundowns, his role emphasises distribution. When facing opponents who remain close to the goal area like TS Galaxy, mistakes are inevitable.

“Poor marking can lead to goals conceded, but I believe Ronwen is well aware of these challenges,” concluded the man who kept goal for the likes of Free State Stars, Santos and Chippa United, among others.

Williams’ responsibilities at Sundowns differ from those he had at SuperSport United, according to Motsoeneng. While he was particularly recognised for stopping shots at SuperSport, his role at Sundowns places greater emphasis on distributing the ball.

Motsoeneng said that style of play could create additional pressure, especially against teams such as TS Galaxy who defend close to their own penalty area. He also stressed that defensive errors and inadequate marking could contribute to goals being conceded, rather than leaving responsibility with the goalkeeper alone.

Despite the criticism directed at Williams, Motsoeneng maintains that his record since joining Sundowns should be taken into account. The team have continued to win matches even while conceding goals, and the former PSL goalkeeper believes Williams’ form should be managed rather than used as a reason to discard him.