Miguel Cardoso Defends Ronwen Williams After Sundowns Draw With Siwelele
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has voiced strong support for goalkeeper Ronwen Williams following criticism after the 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC on Wednesday. Some observers suggested Williams was at fault for the goal that denied Sundowns full points, but Cardoso quickly dismissed any negative narrative surrounding his captain and first-choice goalkeeper.
The result leaves Sundowns two points behind Betway Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates, with one game in hand, as the league enters the AFCON break.
Speaking to the media after the match, Cardoso highlighted Williams’ consistent excellence at both club and international level. “Look, that’s what I can comment, but that should not even be a reason to comment. We have a goalkeeper that last year was the best in Africa. We had a goalkeeper that this season was nominee for the best in Africa in the last three years,” Cardoso said.
He added that Williams’ status as Bafana Bafana’s national goalkeeper for several years warrants respect rather than criticism. “He doesn’t need any comments, any negative appreciation. He just needs respect, and that’s what I give to him,” Cardoso said.
The Portuguese coach stressed that isolated incidents should not overshadow sustained performance. Williams has been a reliable presence for Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, and Cardoso underlined that his leadership and skill remain invaluable.
With Sundowns still in close contention for the Premiership title, Cardoso’s public backing of Williams reinforces confidence in the squad’s key figures ahead of the AFCON break and the remainder of the season.
