Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune has lauded Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams and his progress to be recognised on the world stage.
Khune is arguably one of the finest goalkeepers the country has ever produced, and Williams bided his time behind the iconic former Chiefs stopper for several years before making the number one shirt his own.
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Since the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Williams has been the undisputed number one for the country and his career has reached incredible heights once he made the move from SuperSport United to Mamelodi Sundowns.
“He’s a great guy on and off the field. Hard-working, someone who never stops to listen, someone who never stops learning,” he said about Williams when asked about supporters constantly comparing them on social media.
“I was with him for so many years competing for the number one jersey for Bafana and I think he gave me the respect, he listened to all the advice I gave him.”
Williams became the first goalkeeper since Khune to win the Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season award and went on to be nominated at the Ballon d’Or awards, where he eventually finished ninth for the Yashine trophy retained by Emi Martinez.
“He’s now being recognised in the world, at the Ballon d’Or. I think he deserves it, he worked hard for it… and suggestions he was robbed? He was competing with the best in the world,” Khune added.
“So for him, in Africa, if it was CAF awards I would have given it to him because he’s done well and maybe that’s how he was judged.
“He did well at AFCON with Bafana and for Sundowns. And he’s competing with guys who play in World Cups, Champions League, Euros, Europa League, you name it. I think he just needs to keep his feet firmly on the ground, keep working hard.
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“They know who Ronwen Williams is worldwide, I think he will be back at the Ballon d’Or awards and he will surely represent South Africa very well.”
