Bafana Bafana supporters are expressing concern about Ronwen Williams’ form as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper won the AFCON Golden Glove in the previous tournament, but his performance at the club level has declined since then.
At Mamelodi Sundowns, Williams has struggled to maintain sharpness and has frequently conceded goals that he could have prevented. In the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids, the Bafana captain conceded three goals, contributing to his team’s 3-2 defeat against the Egyptian giants.
This season, Ronwen Williams has conceded six goals and kept six clean sheets in 12 matches in the Premier Soccer League.
In the Champions League match against Saint Eloi Lupopo, “Ronza” allowed a goal during Sundowns’ 3-1 home victory in their first group-stage match, and fans felt he should have stopped that shot from finding the back of the net.
What fans are saying about Ronwen Williams?
Williams was beaten twice in both legs of the MTN8 semi-final against rivals Orlando Pirates. In fact, the Bafana captain has not kept a clean sheet against the Buccaneers in six consecutive matches, leading some to believe that he always concedes when facing quality teams.
@Mramatla_ wrote: “Ronwen Williams will drink us at the World Cup, Look at this Saint Eloi Lupopo, he can’t be our number one, no way.”
@Sihle_14_ wrote: “Ronwen Williams has flaws we ignore because he’s No.1 in the national team.”
@MVProJileka wrote: “Y’all need to stop disrespecting Itumeleng Khune. Ronwen Williams is nowhere near Khune’s level.”
“Mamelodi Sundowns Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, we need to have a serious conversation about it hayi ngeke this is a circus we will be subjected to at both AFCON and World Cup?” @2kayKwetsi tweeted.
With the AFCON just a month away, Williams will surely start all Bafana games, but after that, he might not be a guaranteed starter depending on his form.