Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is the best keeper Mzansi has ever produced.
The Bafana Bafana captain missed the pre-season with his team Masandawana, the MTN8 fixtures as well as the initial two preliminary rounds of the 2024/25 Caf Champions League competition.
However, he made a return in the 2-0 over SuperSport United in the Premier Soccer League and went on to put in a man-of-the-match performance against Kaizer Chiefs in a 2-1 win.
Khumalo surprised by Williams' recovery
“What surprises me most is the way Ronwen bounced back the way he did,” he said in Andile Ncube's Podcast.
“That is beyond talent, make no mistake one of the best keepers I have ever seen in South Africa, take nothing away from all the keepers that I’ve played with that I’ve seen.
“Ronwen is something else whether we like it or not, I’m not even surprised he has been selected for that award and I just want to wish him all the best of luck and I hope that even South Africans will vote for him.
“I was a player before, injuries delay your performance you need to peak at a certain time after certain games, but the boy came back the first game, unbelievable. I don’t know whether you watched him against Kaizer Chiefs to be honest it was Chiefs against Ronwen, he won Man of the Match.”
Williams leadership lauded
In the match against the Glamour Boys, Khuliso Mudau was given a chance in the second half. It was the first time he was involved in a competitive game for his club after a four-match absence.
The Bafana Bafana right-back made a good block later in the match to deny Ashley du Preez, but that is not what impressed Khumalo.
“I look at the game differently like any other person, yes it’s a game of opinion; look at Ronwen how he applauds, how he goes and picks up Mudau after a good defending situation that’s leadership, he is saying well done my boy.
“The very same boy who has never played for some games at Sundowns.”
Williams is expected to reclaim his place in the national team on Friday against Congo in the 2025 Afcon qualifier at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday.