Mamelodi Sundowns' and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, was the centre of attraction at the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards on Tuesday in Marrakesh, Morocco, as he scooped two awards following an impressive year.
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The 32-year-old walked away with two accolades, including the Men’s Interclub Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year at the prestigious event. He became the first South African to win the Goalkeeper of the Year award and the second Premier Soccer League (PSL) player, after his teammate Denis Onyango, to clinch the Interclub Player of the Year.
Williams has enjoyed a stellar year, having guided Sundowns to the 2023/24 CAF Champions League semifinals. He also played a key role in helping Bafana Bafana secure a bronze finish at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and contributed to the Brazilians lifting their 7th consecutive league title in the 2023/24 season.
As he accepted his awards, Williams credited his family, teammates, and coaches for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Congratulations to our very own Ronwen Williams, the Men's CAF Interclub Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year.#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/rVddZQY60z
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) December 16, 2024
“I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, my parents, my two siblings, my partner as well as my kids for being supportive throughout my career. Thank you so much to CAF for this recognition. It has been an amazing year for me but I couldn’t have done it alone.
“Thank you to all the players, coaches and the technical staff that have been with me throughout my career. I know this win will inspire millions and millions of South Africans to believe in themselves, to push boundaries and never forget your dreams are valid,” Williams said.
These awards are a testament to Williams’ hard work and the outstanding performances he delivered for both Sundowns and the South African Men’s National team.
“The entire Sundowns family proudly congratulates the shotstopper on his remarkable achievements!” Sundowns said in a statement.
No Goalkeeper has been as good as Ronwen in 2024 😤👊
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) December 16, 2024
📺 Stream #CAFAwards2024 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/kRchN7t8Qz
PSL CELEBRATES RONWEN’S HISTORIC TRIUMPH
Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has joined in celebrating with immense pride the extraordinary accomplishments of Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the 2024 CAF Awards, held on Monday evening in Marrakesh, Morocco.
“This achievement not only showcases his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication but also raises the profile of the PSL and South African football on the global stage. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, he reminded millions of South African children to dream big and believe in their potential.
“On behalf of all NSL member clubs, the PSL extends its warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to Ronwen Williams and his club, Mamelodi Sundowns, for this outstanding accomplishment,” said the PSL.
PAST SA CAF AWARDS WINNERS
Goal of the year
2018Thembi Kgatlana South Africa
2004 Benni McCarthy South Africa
2003 Lesley Manyathela South Africa
African Women's National Team of the Year
2017 South Africa
African National Team of the Year
1996 South Africa
African Women's Inter-Club Team of the Year
2022, 2023 Mamelodi Sundowns Women
African Inter-Club Team of the Year
2001 Kaizer Chiefs
2016 Mamelodi Sundowns
CAF Women's Coach of the Year
2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 Desiree Ellis
CAF Coach of the Year
2016 Pitso Mosimane
CAF Goalkeeper of the Year
2024 Ronwen Williams
Inter-Club Player of the Year - Based in Africa
2024 Ronwen Williams
2023 Percy Tau (Al Ahly)
South Africa are only the second country to have successive players to win the Inter club player of the Year award. Percy Tau won the award in 2023. The last country to do so was Egypt in 2005 and 2006 Mohamed Barakat and Mohamed About Rika won the award.
African Women's Footballer of the Year
2008 Noko Matlou
2018 Thembi Kgatlana
Note: Denis Onyango was also Inter club Player of the Year in 2016 with Sundowns.