Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams leads the voting in the English section of the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or Awards, but that doesn’t mean he’ll walk away with the prize.
South Africans have taken to voting for the Bafana skipper with with enthusiasm, with a number of TikToks showing the levels of dedication.
However, the public votes are not what will crown Williams the world’s best goalkeeper. Like the Ballon d’Or, the Yashin Trophy will be determined by a panel of journalists from the world top 100 football nations.
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has clarified the voting process for the Ballon d’or Yachine Trophy, where he’s a nominee. He was at Umhlobo Wenene’s Breakfast show in Gqeberha this morning.
📹 #SABCSport’s @Velile_Mnyandu #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/diM0NG62K8
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) October 9, 2024
Speaking to the SABC, Williams clarified the situation and explained how voting works.
“We need to correct the statement that’s been going around,” Williams said on Wednesday.
“It’s not solely based on votes only. There is a judging panel and I think they will have the final say. But I think maybe the votes can sway their decision as well cause that’s why they opened the platform for the votes,” said the Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns shotstopper.
“So, yeah I’m just happy that the country is behind me now. I’ve seen the growth especially in the voting and you know when we get together as a country, it’s amazing.
“And it’s not about Ronwen Williams. It is about young kids that I’m seeing outside here to inspire them to dream big.
“Yeah, I’m just proud and happy that South Africans are standing behind our own.”
Williams is currently in Gqeberha with the national team. On Friday, they will face Congo in their third Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Kick off is at 7pm.
Sport
