Former Zambian goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has reacted to Ronwen Williams being named best goalkeeper and interclub player of the year at the 2024 CAF Awards, which took place on Monday night in Marrakech, Morocco.
Williams was the night’s lone double-winner, taking home the two prestigious awards in three of the categories he was nominated in.
His remarkable penalty saves at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, held in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year, will be remembered for a long time, including four in the quarter-final shootout victory over Cape Verde as he captained South Africa to bronze.
The 32-year-old helped his club Mamelodi Sundowns set a joint record low of just 11 goals conceded in 30 games in the South African Premiership as they eased to a seventh domestic league title in succession.
The Bafana Bafana Shotstopper also helped Sundowns win their 7th league title in the 2023/24 season.
Williams reactions
“This is a wonderful moment for me. Thank you to CAF for the recognition. I am forever grateful for you guys. I want to take this opportunity to thank my support staff, my family, my parents, my siblings, brother and sister, my partner, as well as my kids, for being real with me throughout my career,” Williams said.
He added: “I want to take this opportunity to thank all the coaches I have worked with throughout my career [including the “legend himself, Kennedy Mweene]. It wasn’t easy, but you guys pushed me to be the player that I am today. I know this win will inspire millions and millions of South Africans to believe in themselves, to push boundaries, and never forget your dreams are valid.”
In reaction to the Bafana Bafana shot-stopper’s shoutout, former Chipolopolo goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, who is now the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper coach, lauded Williams as a bright example.
“I don’t have a lot to say, but to just say congratulations to you and indeed you are a shinning example to a lot For young stars and your generation. Big up and continue working hard like we say at Sundowns, the sky is the limit enjoy the moment,” Mweene wrote on his social media account.
Williams became the first South African to win the Goalkeeper of the Year award and also the second PSL player, after Ugandan international Denis Onyango, to win the interclub player of the year.
