Bafana Bafana goalkeeper coach Grant Johnson believes the return of Ronwen Williams will bring stability and calmness in defence during their double header against Congo Brazzaville.
Williams is set to return to the national team setup after missing this month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan as he was recovering from a shoulder injury.
Now back playing for his club Mamelodi Sundowns, coach Hugo Broos is set to welcome his captain to the starting XI after the shaky display of Veli Mothwa against Uganda saw South Africa drop two points.
Johnson is among those who are thrilled to see the goalkeeper back, saying his presence will be felt throughout the team.
Why is Johnson excited to see Williams back?
“I think Ronwen is a key factor in the team, he's been there from the beginning from three years ago and he creates a comfort around the team in terms of confidence. He's obviously had a fantastic AFCON, got Goalkeeper of the Tournament. He's now been named as part of the Ballon d'Or Awards,” Johnson said, as quoted by SABC.
“So, he's had a fantastic couple of years and I think the other keepers have had their opportunities, they've done really well but Ronwen we all know is the number one and he's made that jersey his own.
“I want the other goalkeepers to compete with him, to put him under pressure to play because it makes him a better goalkeeper as well.”
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Mothwa started in goal in the game against Uganda but his blunder on the Cranes’ second goal saw him heavily criticised before he was dropped for Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine in South Sudan as Bafana Bafana won 3-2.
Williams, however, looks to have little competition as his understudies have failed to outperform him when given opportunities.
“But in general, I think having him back as the captain of the team is important for the team and I think even the way he plays at the back, playing Sundowns they play from the back, the same back four and even when new players come in, they have the confidence to play. His distribution is probably one of the best in the world and I think that's a key component for the team,” added Johnson.
South Africa host Congo on October 11 before travelling away for the return leg four days later.