Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has opened up on how the lows of last season humbled him, even as he celebrated the highs he achieved.
Last year, the 33-year-old made history as the first goalkeeper to be nominated for the Yashin Trophy at Ballon d’Or while playing for an African club, ultimately finishing in ninth place. He has highlighted that as one of the best moments last season.
He also described taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup with Sundowns as one of the greatest achievements for him personally and for the club during the past season.
Despite the successes, Williams admitted that the two final losses—against Magesi in the Carling Knockout Cup and against Pyramids in the CAF Champions League—were significant setbacks that dampened his morale.
“You always need to learn and grow in both moments, the joy and the pain,” said Williams.
“When you suffer, you try and learn and see why. And when you succeed, always look at what can I do better to stay at that level.
“People are trying to pull you down always, not everyone is happy for you. You need to always to be step ahead and always be humble and keep working hard.
“When you’re happy and the success is there, stay level-headed cause when you crash, everyone is gonna come for you.
“For me, the last year, I was in France at the Ballon d’Or, then we lost in the Carling Knockout final. I had so many high moments and the ones that humbled me.
“We reached the Champions League final, but then we lost and then one week later, we flew to America for [FIFA] Club World Cup.
“So, you have all these emotions that need you to stay mentally prepared cause you need to show up, you have the job to do and it’s tough.”
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