Ronwen Williams’ Ballon d’Or nomination delights Bafana Bafana fans
South African fans have expressed their pride at seeing Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or Award.
Williams became the fourth African goalkeeper, and the first while playing for a club based on the continent, to be picked for the Yashin Trophy which is awarded to the best goalkeeper of the year.
The Mamelodi Sundowns shot stopper will contest the award with top names such as Diogo Costa of FC Porto and Portugal, Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain and Italy and Frenchman Mike Maignan, who plays for AC Milan among others, but it is a proud moment for the country.
“South Africa’s best Ronwen Williams has been selected as a nominee to receive this year’s Ballon d’Or for best goalkeeper! We win in every department, it’s the standard! Congratulations,” @unclescrooch posted online.
Mzansi on cloud nine after Ronwen Williams’ Ballon d’Or pick
“Ronwen Williams is the first goalkeeper in history to be nominated for the Yachine Trophy while playing for a club in Africa. South Africa to the world,” @CFC_Janty commented.
“South Africa is just showing off lately. Ronwen Williams has made the cut for the prestigious Ballon d’Or Awards. He is named as one of the Yashin Trophy 2024 nominees for Ballon d’Or’s best goalkeeper award,” said @PhilMphela.
“South Africa this is big, our goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has been nominated as one of the 10 best goalkeepers in the world for the Yachine Trophy of the Ballon d’Or awards. My God South Africa keeps on winning,” @PovertykillerB weighed in.
Some supporters feel the nomination is a major endorsement for Williams who now needs to be appreciated more at home.
Where does the Sundowns keeper rank among the greats?
“The first goalkeeper in the Ballon d’Or history to be nominated for the Yashin Trophy while playing for a club in Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns. But others will say he’s not even the best keeper in the PSL. Take a bow, Ronwen Williams,” said @JoBertrand19.
Others used the opportunity to draw comparisons between Williams and legendary South Africa and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
“When I told you Ronwen Williams is better than Itu Khune you said I don’t know football,” said @GustavoNinela, but not everyone agrees with him.
“Ronwen Williams may have made it to the Ballon d’Or list but he still doesn’t stand a chance on prime Itumeleng Khune. He is just playing with a better team. Itu held Kaizer Chiefs on his back in his prime,” commented @TwaRSA26.
