Despite helping Mamelodi Sundowns secure a coveted CAF Champions League title, Ronwen Williams admitted he was far from satisfied with his own performances, revealing that the demands of a gruelling season had finally caught up with him.
Sundowns played a 1-1 draw with AS FAR in Rabat on Sunday night to lift their second continental crown, exactly a decade after their maiden triumph.
While the Brazilians celebrated their conquest of Africa, Williams reflected on what he called one of the toughest campaigns of his career. The Bafana Bafana captain admitted that juggling club and international commitments across multiple competitions had taken a toll on him.
‘TI’S BEEN A TOUGH SEASON’: RONWEN WILLIAMS
“It’s been a tough season, a tough year for me, playing so many games – the [FIFA] Club World Cup, AFCON, Champions League, for the national team. So many games, it’s not easy, and I can feel it. This wasn’t obviously my best season, and we, as a team, will just be better,” Williams said after the final.
Despite lifting one of African football’s biggest prizes, the 34-year-old remained self-critical, focusing on the penalty he conceded.
“I’m hard on myself. I’m disappointed with the penalty I gave away. It was a soft one to concede; it wasn’t a strong shot, and I obviously spilt it. I’ll be better; I’ll be energised.”
Williams has had a relatively challenging season, during which the Brazilians ceded the Betway Premiership title to their rivals,
Orlando Pirates. However, the veteran shot-stopper remains a key figure for both Sundowns and the South African national team. He believes the team’s mentality carried them through difficult moments in Rabat.
“They made it difficult; they came out, obviously they had the support behind them,” he said about AS FAR’s strong start in front of their home supporters. “They came with energy, but I think we contained them. We didn’t give them too many chances. Our game plan was spot on.”
Williams also acknowledged that Sundowns were forced to approach the final differently, prioritising results over style as they protected their aggregate advantage.
‘HOPEFULLY WE CAN HAVE A WONDERFUL WORLD CUP’
“We didn’t play to our best. We just played winning football today [Sunday night] because we got the job done at home. To come here, to get the equaliser, speaks volumes for the team, the mentality to go a goal behind and to keep fighting and to keep grinding. I’m so proud of this team.”
After a season of domestic pressure, international commitments and continental football, Williams now hopes Bafana can make a good showing at the FIFA World Cup before finally taking a well-earned break.
“Hopefully, now we can go as Team South Africa, have a wonderful World Cup, and then after that, just have a much-needed rest just to clear the mind and look forward to next season again.”
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