By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper and Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or Yachine Trophy.
Williams helped Sundowns win the inaugural edition of the African Football League and the Dstv premiership over the past season.
He kept 15 clean sheets in 22 league games and had a save percentage of 84.
He also produced a standout performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he was named goalkeeper of the tournament and helped Bafana Bafana secure a bronze medal. He was also crowned the PSL Footballer of the Year last season, becoming only the third player to achieve this honor.
Williams, who is currently sidelined with injury, has made the final 10-man shortlist.
The Yachine Trophy is named after former Soviet Union goalkeeper Lev Yashin, and the winner is selected by former Ballon d’Or winners since its creation in 2019.
It honours the best goalkeeper over the past season, Alisson (2019), Gianluigi Donnarumma (2021), Thibaut Courtois (2022) and Emiliano Martinez (2023) being the previous winners.
Williams faces stiff competition from goalkeepers playing in Europe’s top leagues, but his nomination is a testament to his exceptional talent and contributions to South African football.
The winner of the Ballon d’Or Yachine Trophy, which has been collaborated with UEFA, will be announced on 28 October at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.