Magoola: What Williams’ nomination for Ballon d’Or means for African ‘keepers
Richards Bay FC’s Salim Magoola has spoken about what the nomination of Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for the Ballon d’Or award means for goalkeepers based in Africa.
The Bafana Bafana captain was nominated for the Yachine award amongst the world’s top goalies, including Emiliano Martinez (Argentina & West Ham), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy & PSG) and Diogo Costa (Portugal and FC Porto).
This was after his heroic performances at the AFCON in Ivory Coast earlier this year, as well as his remarkable contributions to his club in the AFL, CAF Champions League, and various other competitions.
Magoola emphasised that it is challenging for goalkeepers from Africa to gain international recognition.
He believes that Williams now serves as a role model for all goalkeepers on the continent, demonstrating that success is attainable even if they ply their trade in Africa.
MAGOOLA SAYS WILLIAMS’ BALLON D’OR NOMINATION INSPIRES YOUNG AFRICAN GOALKEEPERS
“To get nominated is not easy for an African goalkeeper, it’s really not easy,” said Magoola in an exclusive interview with FARPost.
“Before, you saw Denis Onyango win African Player of the Year. For the goalkeeper, it wasn’t easy at that time because there were many [best in-field] footballers.
“And when a goalkeeper comes out like Williams, for us Africans, those who play around him or against him, it shows that anything is possible as long as you believe and put in your work.
“It’s the best thing for African-based goalkeepers to believe that they can make it. It inspires a lot of young goalkeepers, us who are in the same league as him to also keep on working hard and believe that you can make it in life.”
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