Ex-Bafana coach Igesund not shocked by Williams’ exploits

Ex-coach Gordon Igesund is proud of giving Bafana Bafana keeper Ronwen Williams the captain’s armband and he’s not shocked by his exploits.

The former Bafana and Orlando Pirates coach is not shocked but proud of the Mamelodi Sundowns keeper, Williams’ exploits.

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He states that the 32-year-old Bafana skipper, Williams is a wonderful human being and deserves every success coming his way.

In an interview with iDiski Times, Igesund praises Williams after bagging five clean sheets and the Afcon Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award.

‘GI’ is a coach who gave Williams his Bafana debut back in March 2014 against a rampant Brazil – they lost 5-0.

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IGESUND PRAISES BAFANA AFCON STAR KEEPER WILLIAMS

On top of Williams’ personal accolade, Bafana are the winners of the Afcon Fair Play Team of the Tournament, much to Igesund’s delight.

“It was a tough outing for him because, if my memory serves me, Neymar scored a hat-trick on that day,” says ex-Bafana coach Igesund to iDiski Times about Williams’ exploits.

Former Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund is delighted and not shocked by Ronwen Williams’ exploits. Image: (@BafanaBafana/Facebook)

“It was a good baptism of fire. I spoke to him after the game like I did to the other guys.

“I said ‘Listen, you did well even though we conceded five goals, we played against a rampant side without our full side involved’.

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“You look at the line-up on that day, there were many players who got their debuts, so that’s how it was.

“I’m so proud of him because we have come a long way and, at that time, the reason why he was selected, he was doing well for his club.

“I always knew that he was going to be a special player because of his attitude.

“He knew he had to work hard. He was a young boy, got the opportunity and I’m grateful for that.”

FORMER SUPERSPORT COACH ON WILLIAMS’ QUALITY FOR BAFANA

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The coach, Igesund is a 2014/15 Telkom Knockout Cup glory with Williams, the seasoned mentor adds that losing is a best teacher.

“Sometimes you suffer defeats, you must lose games for you to grow,” adds Igesund on Bafana skipper, Williams’ exploits.

“Sometimes losing is important no matter what and I think Ronwen has responded very well.

“After that game, I continued to use him in certain other games and he believed in himself, I believed in him, and he has grown.

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“I had him at SuperSport, he has been a wonderful individual.

“He deserves everything that he is getting now because he worked very hard.

“Ronwen took this opportunity to be on the big stage where he is right now at Mamelodi Sundowns.

“And he is performing at the level I knew that he would perform. I’m happy for him and happy for Bafana.”

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