Former Orlando Pirates last line of defence Thabang Stemmer says Ronwen Williams is already a winner by making it into the list of the top 10 best goalkeepers in the world.
The Bafana Bafana captain and current CAF Goalkeeper of the Year missed out on the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or Awards after finishing ninth in the event that was held in Paris on Monday.
READ: 'We aim to bring back Moroka Swallows'
Brazilian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was crowned the best net-minder in the world.
"Ronwen Williams, his nomination alone is a big achievement for us as Africa. To be amongst the top 10 goalkeepers in the world, it's an achievement," Stemmer told KickOff.com.
"I feel he did well, and we are so proud. He is the first African goalkeeper to be nominated for the award. It makes us as goalkeeper coaches so proud right now. It gives us even more energy to produce a future Ballon d'Or winner.
"The fact that the winner is being decided by voters gave him an equal chance of winning. He was there on merit.
"Just being amongst the top keepers in the world, it's an achievement. His nomination means he is doing all the right things," adds the 45-year-old.
Stemmer, who also turned out for SuperSport United and Bloemfontein Celtic, among other clubs, says as national team skipper, Williams now needs to make sure he qualifies Hugo Broos' men for the World Cup and next year's AFCON.
"You can tell by the way he's been performing, what he wants now is to play in the World Cup.
READ: 'No one will sleep' - Nabi to Chiefs fans after SSU defeat
"He is currently one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The fact he is amongst the top 10 says a lot."
Denis Onyango is likely to be in goals again when Mamelodi Sundowns do battle against Cape Town City on Wednesday, but the Gqeberha-born star could be drafted back into the starting XI in the Carling Knockout quarterfinal against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.