Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso had an intriguing response to his star goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, after a costly mistake resulted in his team dropping points in a 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC on Wednesday night.
The CAF 2024 African Goalkeeper of the Year was at the centre of the Betway Premiership fixture’s crucial moment, which allowed Siwelele FC to claim a vital point at the Dr Molemela Stadium.
The home side took the lead in the 27th minute following a moment of miscommunication and poor decision-making in the Sundowns’ defence. Defender Kegan Johannes’ attempt to pass a dangerous ball back to Williams, rather than clearing it, put the keeper under immediate pressure.
Williams was dispossessed in the area by Siwelele FC’s Tebogo Potsane, who then squared the ball to the former Orlando Pirates star, Vincent Pule, for a simple tap-in. The goal cancelled out the dominance Sundowns had shown up to that point.
WHAT CARDOSO SAID ABOUT RONWEN WILLIAMS’ BLUNDER
Despite the error directly costing the team two points, the Portuguese mentor used his post-match comments to express his unwavering support and respect for his number one keeper, refusing to entertain any criticism.
“I can comment, but that should not even be a reason to comment,” Cardoso stated emphatically. “We have a goalkeeper who was the best in Africa last year. We had a goalkeeper who this season was nominated for the best in Africa in the last three.
“He has been the national team goalkeeper for several years, and he doesn’t need any comments or negative appreciation. He needs respect, and that’s what I give to him.”
The 1-1 draw sees Sundowns finish the calendar year on 26 points from 13 games. Crucially, the dropped points mean that their rivals, Orlando Pirates, are now guaranteed to finish the year at the top of the Betway Premiership table.
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