Sundowns In Goalkeeping Crisis? | Soccer Laduma

Photo Credit: Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu

Mamelodi Sundowns could find themselves in a goalkeeper crisis, with history showing a tendency to struggle in crucial matches without number one shot-stopper Ronwen Williams.

Williams has not been available for Sundowns due to a groin injury since their return from the Africa Cup of Nations break, as Denis Onyango who had played only one game so far this season, was in goal in a 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership but could not prevent Masandawana from going 2-1 down against Al Hilal Omdurman in the CAF Champions League.

Read: Chiefs Secure Back-To-Back CAF Wins

The Bafana Bafana number one is no stranger to picking up injuries in recent seasons, as his absence in the MTN8 semi-finals last season cost the Brazilians dearly against Stellenbosch.

Masandawana lost two semi-final meetings against Stellies, both by a 1-0 scoreline, with Jody February in goal, and being knocked out of the semi-finals by the Cape Winelands outfit was the beginning of pressure piling up on former coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

Williams was not available in the same season in a defeat to Polokwane City in the league, where Onyango appeared lethargic and rusty. However, Sundowns won seven other matches their number one goalkeeper was ruled out through injury.

In the 2023/24 season, Sundowns also had an early exit in the Carling Knockout first round without the former SuperSport United goalkeeper, although the bulk of the players were not available in a fixture chaos that clashed with Bafana Bafana being on duty.

Williams missed eight other league games in the 2023/24 campaign for an assortment of reasons, and the Tshwane giants won them all.

Read: Zimbabwean Hits & Misses At Pirates Amid Msendami Signing

However, at 34, the national team captain is bound to get injuries, and Sundowns needs a competent number two, with Onyango reaching 41 years by the end of the season.

The goalkeeping department needs strengthening at Masandawana, particularly after the departure of former goalkeeper coach Wendell Robinson, who was at Chloorkop for over a decade.

Related tags