Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has reflected on his national team journey, as he received big praises at AFCON, including a Premier League star asking for his jersey.
Williams was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament after he kept five clean-sheets and inspired Bafana to a third place finish and a bronze medal after penalty shootout heroics against Cape Verde in the quarter-finals and again against Democratic Republic of Congo in the third/fourth place play-off match.
All eyes were on the main outfield players to carry Bafana Bafana but Williams came out as the hero and his stars were already aligning as he revealed that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma asked for his t-shirt even in the loss against Mali in the first match.
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South Africa's skipper has had a tough time in goal for Bafana, after he was criticized in his debut after conceding five goals against Brazil in 2014 and another 5-0 loss to France in 2022 had the supporters questioning his quality for the national team.
"Speechless, when I heard thes guys wanting to see me and praising me like that, it's heartfelt, I just feel a sense of gratitude for the years of sacrifices that I had to make," Williams said on 947's MSW.
"It's been tough, especially my Bafana Bafana journey, having my debut losing 5-0 against Brazil and two years ago losing 5-0 to France, obviously people criticized me so much but I just stayed focused and doing what I know I can do.
"All these praises I get from these superstars is amazing. After the Mali game you have Bissouma who plays for Tottenham wanting my t-shirt, it speaks volumes of what I have done and what he sees from me. It's just for me to inspire the next generation, to believe that it's possible," he added.
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Williams, along with his nine club teammates who were with Bafana Afcon, will not be available when Mamelodi Sundowns clash against Orlando Pirates on Saturday evening at Orlando Stadium.
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