Jessica Williams: Better player data can open doors for SA talent abroad

By Mpumi Manyisi
8th September 2026

FC Copenhagen women goalkeeper Jessica Williams believes better player data and greater match coverage could help more South African players secure professional contracts abroad.

The 26-year-old realised a long-term dream after recently being unveiled as the latest signing by the Danish club.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Williams says South African players can improve their chances of attracting international interest by keeping accurate records of their performances and statistics.

“If you’re a goalkeeper, they need to know your record - how many goals you have saved, how many games you have played and what your impact has been throughout the season. International clubs will demand that data, and that is where a lot of African players fall short.

“There needs to be player data with all the stats well captured, and games need to have more coverage. I believe that will help more players secure contracts abroad,” said Williams.

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Williams adds that playing for a professional club with the right resources will be crucial to her development as she looks to become a fit and more competitive athlete.

“I want to win trophies, I want to climb the ladder on the log. The background I come from has forced me to want to achieve more. I look forward to making use of the club’s resources to become a physically fit athlete and to also become competitive. Such an environment fully provides that kind of support,” added Williams.

Williams has made history by becoming the first South African goalkeeper to play in Denmark - a milestone she has envisioned since taking up the position at the age of 17.

“I became a goalkeeper at the age of 17, quite late, I must say. Now I’m 26. I always knew that I wanted to be one of the first South African goalkeepers to play abroad.

“I think it is possible to see more South African goalkeepers signing professional deals and to dream and believe that dream will become a reality. It also takes a great amount of discipline and making sure that you stretch yourself and become versatile, just as I did by scoring that goal in the COSAFA tournament,” she expressed.