‘He’s a Striker’: How Bafana Bafana Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams Switched Position

• Ronwen Williams' father maintains his son is a goal-scorer
• Williams is currently South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain
• He saved four penalties in the AFCO win against Cape Verde

Ronwen Williams' father has claimed the South Africa goalkeeper and captain started his career as a striker, following the heroics of the 32-year-old at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for Bafana Bafana.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalie entered the history books as the first shot-stopper to make four saves in a penalty shootout at the AFCON as South Africa defeated Cape Verde to book a semi-final slot.

According to The South African, Williams’ father disclosed that the South African captain had not always started out as a goalkeeper but rather as a forward in the early days of his career.

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"Ronwen was at about the age of seven when he joined Shatterprufe Rovers [an amateur club in Gqeberha], but not as a goalkeeper, as a striker. He started as a striker, and that is what many people don’t know."

Williams, who is rated as one of the best goalkeepers at the AFCON so far, will lead South Africa against Nigeria on Wednesday, February 7, as Bafana Bafana hope to seal their first final ticket in 24 years.

Super Eagles star dismisses Williams' threat

Meanwhile, Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze has dismissed the notion that Williams is a penalty-saving specialist ahead of Nigeria’s semi-final clash versus South Africa, All Nigeria Soccer reports.

The Nigerian star downplayed the South African's feat, claiming that shootouts are a game of luck after the 32-year-old made history by saving four penalties in the quarter-final victory over Cape Verde.

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The last time Nigeria faced South Africa at the AFCON, Chukwueze scored in less than 30 minutes against Williams as the Super Eagles defeated Bafana Bafana 2-1 to go to the 2019 AFCON semi-finals.

Broos handed tips to beat Nigeria

Sports Brief also reported that South Africa’s 1996 AFCON-winning captain, Neil Tovey, has weighed in on the semi-final between Nigeria and South Africa, advising his country on what not to do.

The former Bafana Bafana skipper advised Hugo Broos and his team not to retreat into a defensive shell when they confront the three-time African champions in Bouake on Wednesday, February 7.

South Africa and Nigeria have conceded a total of three goals during the continental competition in Ivory Coast so far, ahead of what will be a fascinating tactical battle between Broos and Jose Peseiro.