Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has leapt to the defence of PSL shot-stoppers, including Kaizer Chiefs’ under-fire star Brandon Petersen, following intense public scrutiny early in the season.
The Bafana Bafana captain issued a passionate plea after putting in a Man of the Match performance during Sundowns’ 2-0 victory against Milford FC in their Betway Premiership encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Wednesday night.
Despite Masandawana’s good domestic start, Williams acknowledged that goalkeepers remain the primary targets for criticism; this includes him, as he has been conceding silly goals and a lot since late last season and early in the new season.
Addressing the narrative surrounding recent performances, Williams highlighted the unique tactical demands placed on modern goalkeepers, particularly at a club like Sundowns.
RONWEN WILLIAMS ON THE REALITY OF MODERN GOALKEEPING
“The job we have to do as goalkeepers is challenging,” Williams told SuperSport TV in his post-match interview. “We have been winning each and every game, but yet our department has been coming under a lot of criticism because we have been conceding a lot of goals.
“We know how difficult it is, especially given the way we want our goalkeepers to play [build from the back]. You know, it can be easy for me to stand here on my line and be a line goalkeeper, but that is not what is required at a team like Sundowns. So, I’m always involved, along with Ricardo [Goss] and all the people in the goalkeeping department, especially coach Kennedy [Mweene].”
‘WE MUST KEEP PUSHING’: RONWEN WILLIAMS
Williams extended his support to other PSL goalkeepers, urging the football lovers to recognise the difficult nature of the role.
He cited Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper and captain Petersen as an example, acknowledging the criticism the shot-stopper has faced following a string of errors this season.
It has been a difficult start to the campaign for the Amakhosi skipper, who has found himself in the spotlight following high-profile errors in his five appearances this term.
These costly blunders mark a sharp contrast to his trajectory just months ago, when he cracked Hugo Broos’ preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The former Bafana coach praised Petersen’s growth after the former Bidvest Wits shot-stopper registered 18 clean sheets in all competitions to help Chiefs secure a third-place finish in the league last season.
“We just keep going despite the criticism. It’s not only me; it’s the whole league,” Williams added. “I want Sipho Chaine to keep going and doing his best. Also, Brandon Petersen was amazing last season; now he’s going through some challenges, but he will get there again. So, that’s the nature of the beast.
“I’m proud of all the goalkeepers, and I encourage them to keep going. We must keep pushing our position even higher and higher. I mean, we have changed the way goalkeepers are viewed now. So, I’m just glad [for the Man of the Match accolade], and this is for all the goalkeepers.”
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