Bafana captain Williams surprised by Nigerian keeper’s admiration

Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams has expressed surprise and appreciation after learning of the admiration he receives from his Nigerian counterpart, Stanley Nwabali.

The two shot-stoppers who play in the DStv Premiership for Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United, respectively, have been outstanding and solid in between the sticks at the ongoing 2023 AFCON finals in Ivory Coast.

Both Williams and Nwabali are top contenders for the tournament’s Golden Glove. They are on par as they have kept four clean sheets each after five matches.

To add, in the league this season, Williams has kept nine clean sheets, while Nwabali is two shy as he has kept seven.

The goalkeepers’ biggest test will be on Wednesday, 7 February, when Bafana Bafana take on the Super Eagles in the semi-finals. The two stars will be eyeing nothing other than a spot in the final. Kickoff at Stade de la Paix, Bouake, is set for 19:00 [SA time].

WHAT STANLEY NWABALI TOLD RONWEN WILLIAMS AFTER A DSTV PREMIERSHIP MATCH

Williams said that he was delighted as Nwabali considers him an inspiration. However, the Bafana goalie also found the comments weird because the Chippa United star is a good goalkeeper, and he rates him highly.

“I’m happy for him [Stanley Nwabali], and I had a chat with him when we played against each other in Port Elizabeth, and it’s so weird that he told me that I inspire him,” said Williams.

“The way that he’s playing now, I’m just happy that I can inspire someone who is a fellow professional.

“Tomorrow [Wednesday], we’ll share the stage together, and we’ll just go out there and continue doing what we’ve been doing. We are trying to be the best goalkeepers that we can be.

“He’s been amazing this season, but tomorrow [Wednesday], hopefully he, we can concede so that we [Bafana Bafana] can go to the final.”

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