Ronwen Williams remains crucial for Sudowns and Bafana Bafana despite recent struggles

If most people could understand that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, I would imagine that it’s also clear to them that “empires do not collapse overnight, but rather deteriorate over time”. Yet here we are: people still questioning the qualities of Ronwen Williams.

Let me start by conceding that Williams hasn’t been at his best for Mamelodi Sundowns lately. As such, conceding seven goals in their last two Betway Premiership matches of the season was uncharacteristic of him.

His weaknesses not only tainted his image, but he also somewhat played a huge role in handing Orlando Pirates the title on a silver platter, as a win against Durban City on Saturday would crown them champions, ending Sundowns’ eight-year reign.

But be that as it may, Williams didn’t concede simply because he became poor overnight. Far from it. In fact, he had already proven why he is Bafana Bafana’s No 1 and duly deserves to lead the team at the Fifa World Cup next month.

Williams’ rise to the top wasn’t easy. He needed to dig deeper and find himself, blocking out the outside noise of comparisons between him and former Bafana Bafana No 1, Itumeleng Khune.

Importantly, he had to allow himself to grow and evolve without being attached to stigmas of the past, such as being labelled an awful goalkeeper after conceding five goals in the 5-0 drubbing by Brazil a few seasons ago.

He has allowed himself to become a knight in shining armour for Bafana, clearly using his previous shortcomings as lessons. So much so that when he conceded five goals again in the thrashing by then world champions France, it wasn’t the scoreline that made headlines, but the number of saves he made.

His growth and maturity as the leader of the Bafana team were further evident at the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he inspired the team to a podium finish for the first time in two decades, producing crucial saves in open play and penalty shootouts.

Williams’ efforts didn’t go unnoticed. He was crowned CAF Goalkeeper of the Year after Afcon, both locally and abroad – an achievement previously attained by his Sundowns teammate, Denis Onyango.

Williams’ achievements in Africa reached the global stage, as he became the first Africa-based goalkeeper to be nominated for the Yashin Trophy. He finished ninth.

The travelling between Africa and Europe while playing for Sundowns and Bafana took a toll on Williams. And now the signs are beginning to show – he’s exhausted and bound to experience a dip in form from time to time.

Granted, it must be a hard introspection after the recent two games, especially when his naysayers are celebrating his struggles. But he can’t afford to drop his head now and be eaten by the wolves. Williams must stand up, as the moment to wear his heart on his sleeve for both Sundowns and Bafana has duly arrived.

Sundowns will need Williams as they try to conquer Africa for the first time in nearly 10 years when they face AS FAR in the two-legged CAF Champions League Final, starting at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday (4pm) and ending in Rabat on May 24 (8pm).

This is a tie Sundowns have to win at all costs. It would make up for the team’s blemish in the league and likely spare coach Miguel Cardoso – who is in his third successive Champions League final – from being sacked.

A triumph for Sundowns would go a long way. It would boost the morale of Williams and his teammates heading into the World Cup with Bafana in North America next month.

Williams and his troops are set to return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, and they will want to showcase their talent and ambition by at least reaching the knockout stage.

Williams will be central to that mission. He has been one of the driving forces behind the team, guiding players who arrived in the set-up as boys and have since grown into men. That’s why it is shocking when people say he has lost his spark, given what he has already achieved and still looks destined to accomplish.