Bafana captain Williams reacts to winning Golden Glove at 2023 AFCON

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has reacted to winning the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, the Golden Glove award at the 2023 AFCON.

The continental’s biggest football competition ended on Sunday, 11 February, which saw the host nation, Ivory Coast, crowned the new African champions. The Elephants edged Nigeria 2-1 in the final showdown.

Williams had a great tournament as he displayed great performances in between the sticks as he played all seven matches. All-in-all, the Mamelodi Sundowns star conceded only three goals.

To add, the 32-year-old also set a new record at AFCON as he managed to keep five clean sheets. It was a close race as Stanley Nwabali of Nigeria kept four clean sheets.

The goalie nicknamed ‘Ronza’ says it’s a team effort. He further credited the defence, which was solid and disciplined throughout the competition.

RONWEN WILLIAMS ON WINNING THE GOALKEEPER OF THE TOURNAMENT AT 2023 AFCON

“It’s not me alone, I give credit to each, and every player, I don’t do it by myself. And it’s so funny that on Sunday maybe 80% of the players came to me and said they [Nigeria] need to concede today so that we can get it [Golden Glove award],” Williams told MSW.

“I like the fact that they said ‘we’, as much as I’m going to get all the praises and obviously the accolade. But it’s us and it’s not me, I mean how many saves realistically did I have to make during the games in seven games? Maybe average two a game at such a massive tournament.

“It’s props to each and every player, especially the defence as well. They were so solid from the first match up until the last, just to keep going, to keep fighting.”

On top of clinching the bronze medal, the 1996 African champions were given the Fair Play Team award.

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