Williams redeems himself as SuperSport see off Benni’s men

After all the criticism he faced following Bafana Bafana’s 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifying loss to Cape Verde in September, the feeling for SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams must have been so sweet after he saved two penalties in the shootout to help United win the MTN8 final against Cape Town City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this past weekend.

Williams (right) also made some critical stops throughout the 120 minutes, ensuring the Cape side didn’t score more than once despite their dominance for much of the match.

City striker Lehlohonolo Majoro had several chances, but the United keeper was always there, putting his body on the line to give his team-mates some hope that they could change their fortunes in the game.

Williams made a save as early as the 12th minute, denying Majoro from opening the scoring, before making a good stop from Lyle Lakay’s powerful shot from an awkward angle.

Matsatsantsa responded late in the second half to force the game into extra-time and eventually penalties where the United keeper became the hero. Williams saved the first spot-kick taken by Lakay, followed by another save to deny striker Judas Moseamedi to give United a good advantage – they ending up winning 4-2.

The keeper hailed hard work as the reason for his well-known prowess for saving penalties.

“I’ve been in this game long enough, I have been with SuperSport’s senior team since I was 18 years old. We have lost a lot of games over the years and I have made a lot of mistakes.

“But it is all about learning from your mistakes. You have to keep your head held high and always work hard, even when things are not going your way,” said the shot-stopper.

“I am just happy that we won and I managed to save two penalties to give my team a good advantage to go on and lift the trophy.”