When goalkeeper Ronwen Williams runs out onto the hallowed turf at the 2010 World Cup Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday evening (starting at 6pm), the Mother City's football fraternity will toast his 50th Bafana Bafana cap.
Not long ago, Williams was basking in world football glory after he was nominated for the coveted Ballon d'Or awards. He was on Cloud Nine as he walked the red carpet at the glittering ceremony in the French capital.
He eventually finished ninth for the Yachine trophy retained by Emi Martinez, the Argentine regarded as the world's best goalkeeper.
Williams is also the Bafana captain and together with coach Hugo Broos, they have led the team with distinction.
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Williams was asked to reflect on his stellar career as the national team goalkeeper. He recalled when he made his debut, he spent most of the afternoon taking the ball out of the net after Brazil won 5-0 at the FNB Stadium in March 2014. Neymar, the Brazilian football phenomenon scored two goals in the match.
“The most important game for me was the first game against Brazil. Even though we lost 5-0, I still have many memories. That game taught me so much and the reason why I am where I am today,” said Williams.
“I had to persevere. I was called many names. It made me strong at such a young age.”
Williams and his teammate Teboho Mokoena started their careers at SuperSport United before playing for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana.
Mokoena has served under Williams’ captaincy at club and national team level.
“He is a good leader. He doesn’t talk much but when he speaks, sometimes he is very harsh,” said Mokoena, who with Williams are among Bafana’s most valuable players.
“He has all the attributes of a good leader, and he shows that on and off the field. I’m very proud of him for what he has achieved in life. It has motivated others who came through with him from SuperSport to where we are now.
🚨MATCH DAY🚨
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 19, 2024
2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier
⚽️ South Africa 🇿🇦 vs 🇸🇸 South Sudan
🗓 19 November 2024
⏰️ 18h00
🏟 DHL Cape Town Stadium
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“I remember the first game he played for Bafana. He didn’t do well but look at him now.
“If he was not strong mentally, or didn't have good people around him, he may have disappeared. But they are doing a great job because if it weren’t for them, he wouldn’t be where he is now.
“I’m proud of him for being nominated for the Ballon d’Or. Who would have thought that was possible?”
Williams was full of praise for Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens (33) who could become one of the oldest players to make their Bafana debut if he plays against Sudan.
“You know, it speaks volumes of his personality. Things weren't easy for him because he had to fight. He had to dig deep,” said Williams who was with Stephens at an academy at the start of their careers.
“Now towards the end of his playing career, he's doing well and getting the recognition.
“You know he is a character - like we goalkeepers. He's come into the squad, and he was himself. We welcomed him with open arms. I’m glad that his good work has finally been rewarded.“