Ronwen Williams—take a bow!

The Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper had a night for the history books at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, last night. Not one, but two prestigious accolades were added to his growing trophy cabinet: Goalkeeper of the Year and Interclub Player of the Year.

Williams, at 32, made history by becoming the first South African to claim the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award. He also joins a small but elite club of Premier Soccer League (PSL) players to win Interclub Player of the Year, following in the footsteps of his Sundowns teammate, Ugandan legend Denis Onyango, who won it back in 2016.

For South African football, this is no small feat. It’s the second year in a row that a South African player has scooped the Interclub Player of the Year award—Percy Tau of the Egyptian team Al Ahly claimed it in 2023. Clearly, South African footballers are back in the continental spotlight where they belong.

This recognition caps off an unforgettable year for the Gqeberha-born shot-stopper. Williams was a brick wall between the posts, leading Sundowns to the CAF Champions League semifinals and securing their seventh consecutive PSL league title. On the international stage, he was the anchor for Bafana Bafana as they clinched bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year in Ivory Coast.

And let’s not forget that iconic quarter-final match against Cape Verde, where Williams saved four penalties in the shootout—a performance for the ages.

In his acceptance speech, Williams wore his heart on his sleeve, taking time to thank the people who got him here.

“Thank you to all the players, coaches, and technical staff that have been with me throughout my career. I know this win will inspire millions and millions of South Africans to believe in themselves, to push boundaries, and never forget your dreams are valid,” said Williams.

 Williams isn’t relying on his trophy cabinet for notoriety. He’s focused on bigger goals (literally). Leading Sundowns to CAF Champions League glory remains a top priority. At the national level, Williams already has his sights set on the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, where he hopes to guide Bafana Bafana to their first title since 1996.

Could this stellar form open doors for an overseas move? At 32, age might play a factor, but as Williams has proven time and again, he’s not one to be underestimated. His consistency and leadership have already cemented him as one of the best goalkeepers Africa has ever produced.