Kopo reveals how he persuaded Ronwen Williams to continue playing after brother’s death

Former SuperSport United assistant coach Kwanele Kopo has revealed how he convinced Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams not to quit football after the death of his brother.

Speaking on the 127th episode of the Arena Sports Show with Mahlatse Mphahlele, Kopo said Williams was so affected by the tragedy that he considered walking away from the sport.

Kopo was travelling with the team to Cape Town for the Bayhill Tournament when he received news of the death. Williams was immediately flown to Gqeberha and given a month away from football, but did not return as expected.

“We flew him immediately to Gqeberha and gave him a month off, but he didn’t come back. I phoned him, begged him to come back, and I told him you are destined to play for Bafana Bafana, and I also spoke to his mother,” Kopo said.

He eventually appealed to Williams to continue playing in memory of his brother.

“I think what convinced him to come back was when I told him he must come back to honour his brother because he would never have wanted to see him stop playing football,” Kopo added.

Williams has since become Bafana Bafana’s captain and, according to Kopo, one of the leading goalkeepers on the continent.

“He is South Africa’s, and probably Africa’s, number one goalkeeper. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to work with these players,” said Kopo.

The former SuperSport United coach also discussed his role in helping revive the career of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates attacker Oswin Appollis.

Appollis had fallen out of love with football after being released by SuperSport United, but Kopo helped persuade him to continue his career.

Kopo said it remained rewarding to watch both players represent Bafana Bafana and their clubs successfully.

“It always excites me when I see them play for Bafana and their clubs and they are successful.”