Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams did not feature in Mamelodi Sundowns’ last three matches and remains doubtful for the CAF Super Cup against USM Alger on Sunday. His coach, Miguel Cardoso, is refusing to commit to a return.
Ronwen Williams’ presence in the Mamelodi Sundowns goal for the CAF Super Cup against USM Alger on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium remains uncertain. The South Africa international goalkeeper has missed his club’s last three matches, according to The Citizen, and coach Miguel Cardoso has declined to commit to a return.
Ricardo Goss replaced him in the Carling Knockout and the Betway Premiership, according to The Citizen. Sundowns nonetheless won their matches against Marumo Gallants, Golden Arrows and Durban City, according to Soccer Laduma. The club must prepare for the continental showdown without being certain of having their first-choice goalkeeper available.
Cardoso unwilling to take any risks
Asked about his goalkeeper’s fitness, Miguel Cardoso gave a cautious answer, quoted by Goal.com South Africa: “Look, we cannot risk the health of a player. That’s our goal here, to protect the players and the health of the players. Let’s see how things will progress.”
The statement leaves the door open but guarantees nothing. The Sundowns coach suggests the decision will be made according to how the situation develops, with no precise timeline. The exact nature of Williams’ injury was not detailed in the information released.
Mokoena also sidelined
The goalkeeper is not the only absentee. Williams and Teboho Mokoena have been out since the surprise elimination in the CAF Champions League, Soccer Laduma reports. Mokoena was injured in the same leg twice, the most recent time against Wiliete SC, according to The Citizen.
For Sundowns, these combined absences complicate preparations for Sunday’s match against USM Alger. The technical staff must do without two of their players while maintaining the winning momentum seen in the last three matches.
A CAF Awards nomination in the background
The uncertainty comes as Ronwen Williams is nominated for the 2026 African Goalkeeper of the Year award, foot-africa.com reports. The CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled for 7 December in Lagos.
The final decision on his availability against USM Alger has not yet been announced.