Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has been nominated for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, marking a significant milestone in his career.
The South African international is one of five players vying for the prestigious honour, alongside Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), and Serhou Guirassy (Guinea).
Williams stands out as the only African goalkeeper on the list, a testament to his exceptional performances for both his club and the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed that the competition was so fierce this year that they were unable to narrow the nominees down to just three players.
The winner of the award will be announced on December 16 in Morocco, where all the nominees will be present.
In the women’s category, Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco), Chiamaka Nnadoze (Nigeria), and Barbara Banda (Zambia) are also in contention for their respective awards.
In addition to the Men’s Player of the Year nomination, Williams is also in the running for two other prestigious CAF awards: CAF Interclub Player of the Year and CAF Goalkeeper of the Year.
His remarkable performances throughout 2024 have earned him these nods, which reflect his stellar contributions both domestically and internationally.
The 32-year-old’s achievements with Sundowns are nothing short of impressive.
Williams played a key role in helping the team set a record-breaking points tally in the African Football League and Betway Premiership under the management of coach Rulani Mokwena.
His outstanding form also earned him the PSL Footballer of the Year award, making him only the third goalkeeper in South African football history to win the coveted title.
Williams was instrumental in Bafana Bafana’s success at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where the team clinched the bronze medal—its first third-place finish in 24 years.
His stellar goalkeeping performances throughout the tournament earned him the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, and he was also named to the Team of the Tournament.
Furthermore, Williams was nominated for the Yashin Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper.
While he ultimately lost out to Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa, his recognition at this level speaks volumes about his standing in global football.
Adding to his accolades, Williams was named to the FIFA FIFPro World XI, a list that includes some of the biggest names in world football, such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Vinicius Junior.
As the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony approaches, Williams’ exceptional year continues to earn him well-deserved recognition, solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers.
