A month after making history as the first African club goalkeeper to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy, Ronwen Williams has cemented his status as South Africa’s leading football figure by earning three nominations for the 2024 CAF Awards.
Williams has been nominated in three categories: Player of the Year, CAF Goalkeeper of the Year and CAF Interclub Player of the Year following his achievements between January 2024 and October 2024.
In February, Williams made headlines globally as he led Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal finish at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star played a vital role in Bafana’s success in Ivory Coast, particularly in the quarter-finals against Cape Verde. His heroics in the penalty shootout, saving four spot-kicks, propelled SA to their first semi-final in 24 years.
Throughout the tournament, Williams was exceptional, keeping five clean sheets in seven matches, including four consecutive clean sheets. His solid defensive performances and three goals conceded earned him the 2023 AFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
In addition to his international success, Williams also contributed significantly to Sundowns’ domestic and continental achievements. He helped the Tshwane giants reach the semi-finals of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League and played a key role in their victory in the inaugural African Football League [AFL].
Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali from Chippa United joins Williams as one of the 10 nominees for the Goalkeeper of the Year accolade.
BROOS, BAFANA AND SUNDOWNS RECOGNISED IN CAF AWARDS
Hugo Broos, the mastermind behind Bafana’s remarkable resurgence, has been nominated for the CAF Coach of the Year award. On top of clinching the bronze medal in Ivory Coast, Bafana are unbeaten in their last 14 games under Broos’s guidance.
In addition to Broos’ nomination, Bafana have been shortlisted for CAF National Team of the Year.
On the other hand, Sundowns have also been nominated for CAF Men’s Club of the Year. The team’s consistent appearance in the CAF Champions League knockout stages has earned them a place among the top 10 contenders.
Meanwhile, the prestigious CAF Awards 2024 will be held on December 16, 2024, in the city of Marrakech, Morocco. This will mark the third consecutive time that Morocco has hosted the awards ceremony.
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