Bafana Bafana captain and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has been beaten to the Yashin Trophy by Argentina international Emiliano Martinez who also plays for Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
Williams became the first African-based custodian to be nominated for the prestigious award after his club and international exploits.
In the 2023/24 campaign, the 32-year-old helped Masandawana defend their Premier Soccer League crown with a record 73 points. The South African heavyweights also bagged the inaugural African Football League.
The Brazilians reached the semi-final of the Caf Champions League, graced the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup final but fell to Orlando Pirates on both occasions.
Where did Williams finish in the Yashin Trophy race
The South Africa international played a crucial role in helping the national team win bronze in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Ivory Coast.
He was nominated for the trophy alongside Emiliano Martínez, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Unai Simón, Andriy Lunin, Mike Maignan, Yann Sommer, Gregor Kobel, Diogo Costa, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The Downs keeper finished ninth in the Ballon d'Or Awards Gala held on Monday night.
Despite finishing second last, Williams has achieved what many goalkeepers dream of, considering the fact that he has been playing in Africa.
The former SuperSport goalkeeper should feel motivated in the new season where he can help the team win the elusive second star in the Caf Champions League. Sundowns are also part of the teams that will play in the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World Cup to be played in the United States.
