Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, believes that if a move abroad was to materialise, it should have happened after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire. "I feel like that was the perfect moment, but nothing concrete came my way or anything that my management or the club brought up. So why not stay at Mamelodi Sundowns where we're looking to be part of great things, like the [FIFA] Club World Cup. They're giving me that platform, so I'm happy to stay at the club. I signed a new contract, long may this continue, the achievements, the success – and even the heartbreak, because that builds us, and it fuels us to go even harder the next season. So, I'm happy at Sundowns and I'm looking forward to the Club World Cup. But if something comes, and the club is happy, then so be it!" Williams said of his future after winning the COSAFA Goalkeeper of the Year award. With this statement, the 32-year-old explains that he has not completely ruled out a move abroad and has another opportunity to showcase his talents to some of the biggest clubs in football, but insiders have revealed why a move abroad for Williams is almost none-existent at this point.
What the Siya crew has been told…
Just last week, Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams raised eyebrows when, in an interview with CNN, he revealed that he still harbours plans of a move abroad following his heroics for both club and country in the last 12 months.
"I'm happy at Sundowns because of what we want to achieve as a club. We want to win the Champions League, we want to be at the Club World Cup and play against the big European teams, But I've got a dream as well to play in Europe, to play overseas to show my worth and challenge the best. So, if it comes obviously, it needs to be good for both parties and if it doesn't happen, I'll be happy to stay at Sundowns as well," the player said.
One week later, and Mamelodi Sundowns announced that the Gelvandale-born star has put pen to paper on a new deal that is set to run until 2028, a surprising move considering that Williams still had three years left on his previous deal, if you take the two-year option into consideration.
While some insiders revealed that the goalkeeper was being prepared for a possible sale, with Sundowns ensuring that they receive the best possible deal, the latest news reaching the crew is that a deal away from Sundowns is impossible at this stage.
The Siya crew understands that Masandawana have no intentions of parting ways with Williams, or any other players, at this point and the contract renewal was a reward for the player's performances, where his new pay package would reflect his stature within the Downs dressing room.
A number of factors, like Williams' physical profile and Sundowns' stance on transfers abroad have made a deal at this point virtually impossible.
What are the facts?
Williams' view is that a possible transfer should have come six months earlier is correct according to well-placed sources. After all, the Bafana Bafana's captain was fresh from being crowned the goalkeeper of the tournament in the inaugural African Football League.
He received the same honour in the African Cup of Nations, where he led Bafana Bafana to a third-place finish. By his own admission, no realistic offer surfaced that was worth looking at. Rather, it solidified his status as Africa's number one goalkeeper and affirmed to Sundowns that they made the correct decision in forking out over R20 million to their Tshwane rivals SuperSport United over two years ago.
Moreover, Sundowns have made it clear that they are not a selling team! The team's qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has made the club's desire to hold onto their star players even stronger, with the tournament presenting an opportunity for the Brazilians to test themselves against the best teams in the world.
Williams' stats for the 2023/24 season are baffling. He has amassed 29 clean sheets in 44 matches in all competitions, a clear indication of why Sundowns are keen to hold onto him. He is also a key part of the club's build-up schemes with his decisive passes, which has proven to be a deadly weapon for the Chloorkop side.
The Story Behind The Scenes…
Same Situation as Khune?
According to well-placed Siya sources, Williams faces the same predicament as Itumeleng Khune, who after the 2010 FIFA World Cup was poised for a move abroad. The Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper even joined the same agency as Wayne Rooney at the time, but his physical attributes proved to be the biggest hurdle in securing a move abroad. At 1.81m metres, Khune is dwarfed by some of Europe's elite keepers like Thibault Courtois (2m), Edouard Mendy (1.94m) and Manuel Neuer (1.92m).
On the other hand, at 1.84m, Williams is even taller than Khune, but still significantly shorter than some of his counterparts. While he lacks nothing in ability, European teams tend to look at physical profile as their first point of call, meaning that Williams faces the same dilemma as the man he replaced as Bafana Bafana's number one.
In his corner, the Sundowns goalkeeper also has one of the most renowned agents when it comes to moving players abroad in Rob Moore, who pioneered the careers of the likes of Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar and scores of others. Although a move abroad has not materialised at this stage, the player's camp has ensured that he is in the best possible position locally at Sundowns.
Age a factor at this stage?
It is a well-known fact that goalkeepers mature around the age of 30 and can have longer careers than out-field players. However, at 32, there is a feeling that a move abroad is a far-fetched dream for the Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper.
If he keeps up his performances, there is a feeling that he could play well into his 30s like his Mamelodi Sundowns teammates Denis Onyango and current assistant goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene, who have all played well into their 30s.
His current contract will see him through to his 37th birthday.
Previous links abroad
Back in 2021, Soccer Laduma reported that Williams was on the radar of teams in the Major Soccer League, but SuperSport United weren't keen on allowing him to leave at the time. At the time, the MLS amended its primary transfer window meaning its deep-pocketed clubs could acquire players from March right through until June.
Williams was understood to have had a buy-out clause in his long-term contract with Matsatsantsa, though a deal never materialized, reportedly due to his physical profile.
One of the highest paid players in the league
If it does serve as any consolation for Williams, his latest deal, according to well-placed sources, has put him firmly amongst the highest paid players in the league!
While the exact numbers remain strictly confidential, this figure is expected to increase over the next five years, meaning that Williams at Sundowns would earn within a similar bracket that he would at a European or MLS club, with Sundowns known to be amongst the best paying teams on the African continent.
Secret Agent
The Siya crew spoke to a top agent in SA to get their expert understanding on what's going on. For obvious reasons, the agent will remain anonymous.
"I think the days of players having to go overseas to test themselves and make better livings are long gone. Credit to Benni and the others who have gone there and made a decent career and living for themselves. However, the landscape has changed vastly in recent times from a local perspective where players can tick all the boxes in terms of playing at a good level, competing against some of the biggest teams in the world and getting paid well in the process, without having to leave their country of birth. I don't think Williams would earn significantly more in Europe than he currently is at Sundowns, unless of course he goes to the English Premier League, which at this stage is unlikely, with all due respect to him. I think he's had a great career, and he can continue to do so at Sundowns for many years to come."
Watch This Space
What is clear at this point is that Williams is staying put at Sundowns and comfortably so. The player has seemingly made peace with the fact that a move abroad is now just a pipe dream, while Sundowns have made it clear that they are not willing to part ways with their best players.
As if he needed another opportunity, there is a feint hope that a move abroad remains viable and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup would provide the perfect opportunity for Williams to showcase his talent like he did at the 2023 AFCON, the only difference is that his potential suitors would have an up-close view of his abilities when the tournament kicks off in June next year.
For now, he remains a key pillar at Sundowns with a new and improved contract in hand.
