Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana says he’s always held captain Ronwen Williams in high regard and has been left elated that he’s finally receiving his proverbial flowers.
Williams, 32, won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Golden Glove, also picked up the Fair Play award for Bafana and a bronze medial on Sunday evening in Abidjan.
But it hasn’t been smooth sailing, with sections of supporters questioning his performances with the national team. But the humble pie was served with five clean sheets, while the four penalty saves in the quarter-final against Cape Verde earning him global attention.
“Ronwen has always been a top keeper, I think we started together in 2011 at SuperSport, Coach Gavin [Hunt] gave us both a chance and I think he’s held onto a number one jersey ever since,” Kekana said.
“It’s good his getting his flowers now, sometimes it takes time but Ronwen has always been top keeper, I always held him in high regard, he’s also a good human being.
“I think this tournament just showed the best of Ronwen, he’s a leader, true leader, a born leader, he talks from the back, helps the centre-backs, especially his back-four, as long as he’s organised everything else falls into play.
“So it’s just good he’s been given his flowers, well deserved, especially considering where he comes from, especially with the national team. We as players always knew Ronwen has the capabilities to be up there with the best.
“But to do it at such a prestigious tournament is something else, we’re all just happy for him because it’s well deserved, he works so hard to be where he is, a very coachable player, someone you take a lot from as he’s always willing to learn and improve.
“Even at his age… nobody has ever given him that proper chance to be up there and for him to defy the odds and be the best on the continent, it speaks for itself, we so’re proud of him, proud to be led by him, we can only hope he continues soaring.”
Williams and the squad will arrive in OR Tambo, Johannesburg on Wednesday morning at 4am.
