Ronwen Williams: Should Bafana goalkeeper be dropped? Khanye gives his verdict

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye feels Ronwen Williams should be guaranteed a start in the Bafana Bafana team at the 2026 World Cup.

Williams is facing scrutiny after a string of unconvincing performances for Sundowns who appear to have surrendered their league title to Orlando Pirates following a shock 3-2 loss to TS Galaxy on Tuesday.  

The damaging result in Mpumalanga has amplified concerns over Sundowns’ defensive frailties and at the centre of the discussion is goalkeeper Williams, who has let in eight goals in his last three matches, a stark contrast to the 13 clean sheets he recorded earlier in the season.

Outspoken pundit and former Khanye offered a blunt assessment of the reigning PSL Goalkeeper of the Season’s recent displays.

Should Bafana No.1 be dropped?

“Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, I think he is enduring one of his worst performances now,” Khanye told iDiski Times, pointing to a noticeable drop in confidence at a critical time for both his club and the national team.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Khanye argued that Williams’ current form does not merit an automatic spot in the Bafana Bafana squad. While acknowledging that national team coach Hugo Broos is unlikely to drop his captain, the former Amakhosi star believes the performances fall short of international standards.

“I’d have doubts about taking Ronwen [to the World Cup] if I were the coach, let me put it that way, it would be difficult to take him,” Khanye explained. “But because he is going to the CAF Champions League final and he’s been number one through the build-up… he’ll definitely go. But to tell the truth, it was the worst performance from Ronwen.”

Calls for keeper rotation at Sundowns

Khanye suggested that a lack of competition for the starting position at Sundowns might be contributing to complacency in Williams’ game. He urged the coaching staff to give veteran Denis Onyango a chance, allowing the Bafana Bafana number one a much-needed break to refocus.

“I love Ronwen, and he has done well, but he has that thing about him that nobody can eliminate him, that I’m always going to start and finish matches. And that thing also hurts him,” Khanye noted.

“In games like today [Tuesday], they should have rested him a bit and let [Denis] Onyango play. Even the goals he is conceding are very disappointing… and his defence is also worse.”

Ronwen Williams has chance to silence critics

Despite his recent struggles at club level, Williams remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Bafana Bafana, and it is highly improbable that coach Hugo Broos will sideline him at the World Cup. However, the criticism from fans and pundits has intensified, raising questions about his readiness for the international stage.

Williams will have a prime opportunity to silence his critics and reaffirm his quality in the upcoming CAF Champions League final against AS FAR. A strong performance in the continental showpiece could prove he is still the reliable shot-stopper South Africa depends on.