‘I said this in the beginning’ – Williams sends reminder to Sundowns doubters
Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has recalled what he said, reacting to widespread doubts over ‘The Brazilians’ at the beginning of the season.
Williams was speaking after they secured a spot in the CAF Champions League semi-finals with a 1-0 aggregate victory over Esperance in the quarter-finals.
Masandawana will now face a tough challenge in the next round against the most successful team in the tournament’s history, Al Ahly with a coveted spot in the final at stake.
This is Sundowns’ third consecutive appearance in the semi-finals, having been eliminated at this stage by Wydad Casablanca in the 2022/23 season and Esperance in the 2023/24 campaign.
The CAF Champions League semi-final qualification brought significant delight to ‘Bafana Ba Style’, particularly in light of their somewhat shaky start to the season, likely influenced by the coaching changes.
The club began the season with Manqoba Mngqithi in charge following the dismissal of Rulani Mokwena. They had a slight dip in performance compared to their previous season which led many doubting their chances of progressing this far in the Champions League.
But Sundowns were quick to make another change in coaching, showing Mngqithi the exit door and bringing in Miguel Cardoso in December. The Portuguese tactician has been consistent in delivering desired results both domestically and continentally.
Williams asserted that he warned anyone doubting Sundowns must do that “at their own expense”, stressing his confidence in the team because of their hard work.
WILLIAMS ON SUNDOWNS DOUBTERS – ‘DO THAT AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE’
“It’s massive for the club [qualifying for Champions League semi-final], it’s massive for the country as well,” said Williams on Mamelodi Sundowns TV.
“To be where we are now, many people doubted us. But I said something at the beginning, ‘Doubt this team at your own expense’.
“That’s because I see the work that we do on a daily basis. I’m proud to be a part of this team.
“Just to see the character, how the boys are willing to learn, to grow, to fight, when we just fight, that’s what I like. That’s what is going to push us all the way.”
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