Ronwen Williams insists Sundowns backing speaks louder than critics

By Mazola Molefe
13th October 2026

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has hit back at his critics, insisting the backing he receives from the technical team and teammates shows his contributions have not gone unnoticed.

The Bafana Bafana captain has come under scrutiny early in the 2026/27 campaign, with fewer clean sheets than he has traditionally managed.

However, following Sundowns’ 2-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s MTN8 final, which ended the Buccaneers’ four-season dominance of the competition, Williams addressed the criticism surrounding his performances.

The guys fully support me on a day-to-day basis. The coach has belief in me. The club has belief in me. And that's all you need. These players, on a day-to-day basis, pushing me. We're working together as a team to be better," said Williams

READ: Sundowns boss hails Pirates challenge after ending MTN8 drought

"I mean, when we concede, it's not Ronwen conceding, it's Sundowns conceding. But we live in an age now where people have lots to say. And everyone is a perfectionist.

So, you know, you deal with the criticism. You just focus on what you can do. And that is working hard, looking at our mistakes, how we can be better as a team."

Williams also pulled off a stunning penalty save to deny Gamphani Lungu in what would have been a game-changer had the spot kick gone in.

He discussed what went through his mind at the time.

"Yeah, I mean, you're always analysing; that is part of our daily bread now, just analysing clips and studying opponents. He scored past me last season through a penalty when he was at Siwelele FC, so today it was more about trying to get into his head. And obviously, Ricardo Goss helped as well, before the game, because he was with him at Siwelele. He told me what he thinks before he kicks against me, so that helped today. So, kudos to Ricardo for helping me as well. I am just glad that I could make the save."

The goal minder singled out the centreback pairing of Khulumani Ndamane and Malibongwe Khoza for a stellar performance in the final.

With Grant Kekana and Keanu Cupido likely to miss the Richards Bay clash in the Betway Premiership tonight, Williams urged the pair to be consistent.