Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has shared his thoughts on the qualities of Sekhukhune United shot-stopper Renaldo Leaner, who received his second call-up to the national team.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper has been in decent form for Babina Noko this campaign, where he is competing for the number one position with other international teammates Toaster Nsabata [Zambia] and Manuel Sapunga [Equatorial Guinea].
In the current campaign, the shot-stopper has made 18 appearances across all competitions and has kept nine clean sheets in Sekhukhune colours.
Leaner is part of Hugo Broos’ final 23-man squad for the back-to-back international friendlies against Panama, as part of their preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The first encounter will take place tonight, 27 March, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium at 19:00, followed by a clash at the DHL Stadium on 31 March.
RONWEN WILLIAMS ON THE QUALITY LEANER BRINGS TO BAFANA
Williams believes that Learner’s inclusion in the Bafana squad proves that he’s one of the best, and his displays at club level speak for themselves.
“First and foremost is the quality that he brings into the department [goalkeeping department]. He’s been one of the most consistent goalkeepers for the past few years. He’s done extremely well. You know he’s earned his call-up with his performances and how he’s played for his team,” said Williams.
“There are a lot of moments where he carried his team on his back. You can see him during training; he doesn’t feel like he’s new to the team because he’s been part of it before. You know, he comes with the right energy, the right spirit, and he’s willing to learn as well, and that’s good for him.
‘IT CAN BENEFIT HIM HAVING ME AND GOSS AROUND’: RONWEN WILLIAMS
Williams went on to state that Leaner’s growth would be accelerated by working alongside him and Ricardo Goss. The duo have been with the national team for quite some time.
“It can only help him, it can only benefit him to have someone like myself and Ricardo [Goss] who’s been there at the highest level for such a long time, and for him to rub shoulders with us and learn would only benefit him.
“He’s a good addition. There are so many goalkeepers who are doing extremely well in the league. A lot of people have been complaining about the shortage of goalkeepers in South Africa, but I don’t think it’s the case. Now, there are so many for the coach [Hugo Broos] to choose from—people are always questioning—whereas a few months ago, people were saying there’s a shortage. So, it’s a good headache to have, and it keeps us all on our toes.”
RONWEN WILLIAMS ON BAFANA GOALKEEPERS’ COMPETITION AHEAD OF FIFA WORLD CUP
With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Williams noted that the competition for the gloves is fiercer than ever.
“In three months’ time, there’s a big World Cup, and there’s probably five or six goalkeepers that are doing extremely well. So we need to keep going, keep pushing the goalkeepers. We are a family on our own. We help each other, we strive to be the best, and we know how difficult the position is because only one can play, and we support one another in good and bad moments,” he added.
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