South Africa’s goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, has added to his growing list of achievements after it was announced on Wednesday, 4 September, that the acrobatic shot-stopper has historically made the list of Goalkeeper of the Year nominees for world football’s most prestigious individual trophy, the Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy.Not only is this a first for Africa, but the Bafana Bafana skipper makes continental history as the first-ever footballer playing in Africa to be nominated for the award.As the only African-based keeper, Williams made the list of 10 best shot-stoppers in the world, which includes current holder Emiliano Martez (Argentina), Unai Simon (Spain), as well as Diogo Costa (Portugal), amongst others.##NAJAVA_MECA_8316504##To date, African football icon George Weah remains the only African to be voted the best player in the world after winning the Ballon d’Or in 1995, ahead of Germany’s Jurgen Klinsmann and Finland’s Jari Litman.Weah was also the first non-European to win the award.Williams (32) has been on a meteoric rise since joining former African champions Mamelodi Sundowns from cross-town rivals and boyhood club SuperSport United in July 2022.The Bafana Bafana skipper was a pivotal cog in Mamelodi Sundowns’ back-to-back titles since joining the club.Signed for a year but could move in January – Osimhen’s clause revealedA feat that elevated his place in the national team to being the number one goalkeeper.Rowen Williams for Ballon D’Or 🏆 pic.twitter.com/hCV3RDiYPc— AMO A (@__amo_A) June 26, 2024 The Gqeberha-born goalkeeper grabbed the challenge of being Hugo Broos’ trusted keeper with both hands, putting up undoubtedly one of the standout performances at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Cote d’Ivoire 2023, where he denied Cape Verde four times in a quarter-final penalty shootout.Williams’ acrobatics and penalty saves also came to the fore in the third-place play-off against DR Congo, where he saved two penalties to help his nation to a podium finish that was accompanied by him being voted the Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the continental showpiece.Kaizer Chiefs target Kenyan international to bolster attackThe Sundowns keeper, who is currently out nursing a shoulder injury, was also instrumental in Sundowns’ African Football League (AFL) triumph, playing a crucial role as the last line of defence in helping his side to their second continental trophy after their 2016 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League success.The Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will take place on Monday, 28 October 2024.##NAJAVA_MECA_8316316##
