With Ronwen Williams becoming the first goalkeeper to be nominated for the Yacine Trophy award while playing for an African club, fans have now had their say.
The goalkeepers was nominated for the award on Wednesday, and his presence in the shortlist marks a significant period in his career after recording a memorable 2023/24 season.
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He had 35 clean sheets in 59 games across all competitions in 2023/2024, and was named the Best Goalkeeper at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after helping Bafana Bafana reach the semi-final, keeping four clean sheets on their way.
Many fans expressed how proud they are of Williams' latest achievement.
"South Africa stand up," wrote @enrique_chris2710.
"Safest hands in Africa," says @masandawanafanvlog.
"Such a good nomination. Deserved too," writes @un4thiiii.
"The first goalkeeper to save 4 penalties in FIFA recognized tournament," says @every1luvs_banele.
His nomination also reignited the Williams-Itumeleng Khune debate, with some claiming that the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper is the best keeper to have ever come from South Africa.
When I told you'll Ronwen Williams is better than Itu Khune you said I don't know football ? pic.twitter.com/QBvdodLKWU
— Gustavo???????? (@GustavoNinela) September 4, 2024
"Prime Itu is way ahead of Ronwen. Anyway all the best to Ronwen even though i know the Argentina guy will take it," says @Monna WA Mopedi.
"This is huge but make no Mistake, Khune is streets ahead of Ronwen, this is not even up for debate," writes @AgneKwena.
"Khune is a local superstar, while Ronwen Williams is internationally recognised as probably the best keeper in Africa," says @VukaAnime.
"Haibo how did we get here? Khune cannot be compared to Williams unless we're living in a dream. Khune is far better than Ronwen Williams," says @Sakhe37131296.
"One was spectacular in not so important games, the other made it count in the most important games. When you know you know," says @KagisoIsoboy.
"We didn't have this when one of our goalkeepers was a finalist in Puskas now that its Sundowns goalkeeper. Can't we just celebrate the nomination without comparing," request @IamSimoku.
"Respect Itu," @JumbaViera.
"Ronwen Williams is undoubtedly and officially the best goalkeeper in South African history with a Ballon d'Or nomination. Not even Itumeleng Khune has reached this boy Heights - Case closed thank you," says @maetsebane.
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