Williams named new Supersport United captain

The Bafana Bafana international goalkeeper has for months, been tipped to take over the reigns from Furman and last week, the club announced Williams as the new skipper.

The 27-year-old was scouted twice in 2004, (Danone u.12 tournament in Polokwane and the Schools Winter Sports games in Pietermaritzburg).

He joined the Matsatsantsa academy in 2005, and captained the u.17 team to victory in the Engen knock-out competition coached by his current mentor Kaitano Tembo in 2008.

Williams was promoted to the first team in 2011/2012 season, at the age of 19 and made his debut in a CAF champions league match against Matlama FC (Lesotho) keeping a clean sheet. Nine years later, he has broken the club record, having 310 caps under his belt, keeping 118 clean sheets.

Williams has collected seven trophies during his Matsatsantsa stay, which include three Nedbank Cup and MTN 8 trophies and a Telkom knock-out title.

“Firstly, this is a dream come true and I feel honoured and privileged to lead this wonderful team. It’s an achievement which comes with loads of responsibilities but one that I am looking forward to,” said Williams.

“I have learned so much over the years through the different leaders and I will put everything into practice. I would like to give special thanks to our head coach Kaitano Tembo for trusting me once again to lead the team as he did in 2008, at the academy. The chairman (Mr Khulu Sibiya) and the CEO (Stan Matthews) have given me their full support and this a massive challenge for me, but one I will cherish and give my level best in all times.”

Matsatsantsa head coach Kaitano Tembo said Williams came through development ranks and has been with the club since the age of 12.

“Ronwen knows the club culture and is well respected in the dressing room. He was working very well with Dean Furman as his vice-captain and I have no doubt that he will carry the baton from where Dean left off. I wish him all the best and success, because he deserves it.”